How should we view Trump's warning to Zelenskyy to immediately halt attacks on Russian oil refineries?

No wonder the 'Smart King' has gone bankrupt six times—the man’s negotiation skills are utter garbage. If you’re telling Zelenskyy to stop striking Russian oil refineries, at least offer something in return. Zelenskyy isn’t inflexible; he’s already stated clearly: ‘If we stop, Russia must stop too.’ So how did you respond? ‘Ukraine’s strikes on refineries are not equivalent to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s power grid.’ Hear that? Do you hear what people are saying? Any remotely competent negotiator would at least propose three concrete options to persuade Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian refineries—and simultaneously advance prospects for a ceasefire: 1. Both sides mutually cease long-range strikes against each other’s energy infrastructure. 2. Ukraine halts strikes on Russian refineries, and the U.S. provides additional air-defense missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. 3. Ukraine halts strikes on Russian refineries; if Russia resumes long-range strikes, the U.S. will provide Starlink support enabling Ukraine to target Russian missile launch sites near the Ukraine–Russia border. Yet your unilateral demand for Ukraine to cease fire—while imposing zero conditions or constraints on Russia—is no negotiation at all. It achieves only three things: (1) it inflames Ukrainian anger and emboldens Russian ambitions, escalating the war further; (2) it confirms, beyond doubt, your identity as a ‘Krasnov’ (a pro-Russian collaborator); and (3) Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries won’t actually stop (yesterday, Ukraine struck oil-and-gas facilities in Rostov)—so your attempt to lower global oil prices by purchasing Russian diesel is doomed to fail.

Latest foreign news on the Russia–Ukraine, U.S.–Iran, and Israel–Palestine conflicts as of October 30

Thundering Old Bunny 10:49:13 Reuters reports Germany plans to deploy electronic warfare systems in Lithuania to monitor Russia and Belarus. Thundering Old Bunny 10:58:21 Berliner Zeitung: Karls is the EU’s biggest historical mistake—she lacks genuine engagement in negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, and nobody takes her seriously. Thundering Old Bunny 11:07:17 Due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar Energy is purchasing natural gas from the United States. Thundering Old Bunny 11:17:44 According to Axios, the Pentagon’s Chief Strategy Officer admitted leaking information about Ukraine and Iran to the media. Brigadier General Brett Silvia confessed after failing four polygraph tests. Thundering Old Bunny 11:22:53 The nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk—carrying the ‘Poseidon’ nuclear-powered underwater drone—is set to enter service with the Russian Navy. Thundering Old Bunny 11:34:23 The Russian Foreign Ministry: EU and NATO leaders are undermining U.S. diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. Thundering Old Bunny 11:49:44 Politico: Loans to Ukraine have created a €35 billion shortfall in the EU budget. Thundering Old Bunny 11:55:13 An Israeli soldier poses for a photo smiling in front of a church in southern Lebanon, buried under rubble. Thundering Old Bunny 12:11:34 A Russian presidential special envoy: The EU—having cut off Russian energy—stands helpless before the coming winter. Thundering Old Bunny 12:24:36 CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund: Christine Lagarde, who recently resigned as European Central Bank President, appears utterly exhausted by the EU’s current predicament. Thundering Old Bunny 12:38:39 Bild: Germany is procuring tanks, drones, rocket systems, and missiles to ‘counter a Russian offensive.’ Thundering Old Bunny 13:20:15 Russian Presidential Press Secretary: Russia seeks comprehensive peace in Ukraine—not merely a temporary ceasefire. Thundering Old Bunny 13:53:07 Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Apollinaire Joachim Koumba Ouédraogo: ‘Let France learn independence too. I believe it has lived long enough by exploiting resources—and exploiting its so-called “protected territories,” i.e., colonies.’ Thundering Old Bunny 14:06:10 Ukrainian media: ‘Russians are completely destroying the Kremenchuk refinery. Missiles are hitting it one after another.’ Thundering Old Bunny 14:45:13 Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Zelenskyy is prepared to discuss ‘the most complex and sensitive issues—including territorial questions’ directly with Putin. Thundering Old Bunny 15:05:14 Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada Committee approved amendments to the Culture Law, banning all Russian cultural products. Thundering Old Bunny 16:08:04 The Wall Street Journal: Under pressure from Trump, Ukraine has halted its attacks on Russian oil refineries. Thundering Old Bunny 16:23:39 The U.S. plans to invest $1.57 billion in classified military research and technology development in the Arctic. Thundering Old Bunny 16:37:34 Following the EU Energy Ministers’ meeting, several European countries reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the release of 42.6 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves by January 31, 2027—with 20.5 million barrels designated as diesel.

Ukraine pauses strikes on Russian refineries after pressure from Trump, WSJ reports

17 hours ago

According to the Wall Street Journal, Ukraine paused strikes on Russian oil refineries following pressure from President Trump. The move targets diesel price stabilization and peace talks ahead of US midterm elections.

reuters

2026-10-29

Ukraine pauses strikes on Russian refineries after pressure from Trump, WSJ reports

Ukraine pauses strikes on Russian refineries after pressure from Trump, WSJ reports

FAQ