US pressures Ukraine to halt refinery attacks amid global oil concerns

Are Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries too effective? That's what the United States suggests, fearing a disruption in the global oil sector. Ukraine admits that it understands the calls to halt the attacks. However, it adds that it is defending itself by all means possible.

The "Financial Times" reported that the United States is pressuring Ukraine to stop drone attacks on refineries in Russia. The result? Washington has stated that these actions are causing an increase in oil prices and disrupting the global oil market. They also lead to retaliation.

A representative of the Ukrainian authorities has already responded to these concerns.

Ukraine has responded by achieving its goals through very successful operations on Russian territory. There are also statements from other officials saying that those (refineries in Russia) are absolutely justified military targets – said Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefaniszyna.

She added that Ukraine understands the US calls regarding halting attacks on Russian refineries. However, in defense against Russian aggression, it utilizes the resources and capabilities at its disposal.

These words were spoken during the 16th annual Kyiv Security Forum. At this event, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Ukraine "fights with the possibilities, resources, and methods it has today".

Olha Stefaniszyna also reminded that at the start of Russia's invasion of her country in February 2022, she appealed to NATO to close the skies over Ukraine. However, she was told that in NATO's view, closing the skies would mean destroying infrastructure on Russian territory that enables the bombardment of Ukraine – reported the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

– Therefore, we act according to NATO's best standards – summarised the Ukrainian government representative.