US warns Kyiv that strikes on Russia jeopardise intelligence-sharing
- Trump envoys threaten to pull the plug on intelligence sharing if Ukraine keeps lighting up Russian oil refineries.
- Zelenskyy team blindsided in Miami by surprise Trump-Putin pact to flood the market with Russian diesel.
- Ukrainian officials vow to keep the fires burning at Russian energy hubs despite Washington's threats.
- Zelenskyy slams the move as a 'weak' capitulation that serves only to embolden the Kremlin's war machine.
Brief Summary
In a dramatic escalation of behind-the-scenes tensions, the Trump administration has threatened to sever intelligence ties with Ukraine unless Kyiv ceases its long-range drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. The ultimatum was delivered during fractious negotiations in Miami, where Ukrainian officials were stunned by the announcement of a new agreement between Trump and Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel onto the global market.
Why This Matters
This shift in policy signals a potential turning point for global energy costs and the future of the conflict in Eastern Europe. By pressuring Ukraine to stop targeting Russian revenue streams in exchange for a diesel deal, the administration is prioritizing immediate relief at the gas pump over the strategic weakening of the Russian war economy. You should expect this to trigger significant volatility in energy markets and further strain the fragile relationship between Washington and its allies in Kyiv, potentially altering the trajectory of the war and the geopolitical balance of power.