US urges Ukraine to halt energy strikes as Zelenskyy calls for action

The United States has explicitly urged Ukraine to stop its drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.

This development reflects growing concerns about the global economic impact and potential Russian reprisals, as reported by the Financial Times.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Western allies for their hesitance and linked it to the escalation of the conflict.

Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the U.S. warnings targeted senior officials of Ukraine's state security service and its military intelligence directorate.

These communications signal the White House's concern about rising oil prices and the risk of provoking Russia to attack Western energy assets.

"We do not encourage or enable attacks inside of Russia," a National Security Council spokesperson stated regarding Washington's stance, as reported by the Financial Times.

In contrast, Zelenskyy blamed delays in Western support for the increasing severity of the situation. Following a barrage of Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, including the Dnipro dam in Zaporizhzhia, Zelenskyy urged for more decisive support.

"Russian missiles have no delays, unlike aid packages for Ukraine. Shahed drones have no indecision, unlike some politicians," he expressed on Twitter.

These Russian attacks have led to widespread disruptions. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported a series of power outages in Kharkiv after Russian missile strikes targeted energy infrastructure. The city faced not only blackouts but also water supply and transportation challenges.

The International Monetary Fund approved a substantial loan payment for Ukraine, reinforcing the economic support in these challenging times.

Meanwhile, the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains critical, with the potential of a blackout raising alarms about a nuclear crisis.

This complex scenario presents a tightrope for the U.S. and its allies, balancing between supporting Ukraine's resistance and preventing further global economic and security destabilization.

On the other hand, Zelenskyy's comments reflect an urgent call for more robust and timely support from the international community to address the conflict's immediate threats and long-term consequences.

Source: Newsroom