US urges Ukraine to halt refinery attacks, citing global oil turmoil
Are Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries too effective? That's the concern the United States has voiced, worried about disruptions in the global oil market. Ukraine acknowledges the call to stop these attacks but maintains that it's using all available means to defend itself.
11:54 AM EDT, March 22, 2024
The Financial Times reported on Friday that the United States is urging Ukraine to cease drone attacks on Russian refineries. The reason? Washington has highlighted that such actions are leading to higher oil prices and causing turmoil in the global oil sector, besides provoking retaliation.
Ukraine's Reaction to US Concerns
A Ukrainian government official has addressed these concerns.
Ukraine's stance is firm, as it continues its strategic operations and successful missions in Russia. Official statements also defend the targeting of Russian refineries, describing them as legitimate military objectives, said Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefaniszyna.
She further noted that Ukraine understands the US's calls to halt attacks on Russian refineries. Still, in the face of Russian aggression, the country is drawing on all available resources and capabilities for defence.
Ukraine's Plea to Secure Its Skies
These thoughts were shared at the 16th annual Kyiv Security Forum, where the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted how Ukraine is "fighting with what it currently has at its disposal."
Olha Stefaniszyna also recalled her early plea to NATO to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine at the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022. She mentioned that NATO explained that securing the skies would necessitate destroying Russian infrastructure used to bombard Ukraine, as reported by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
– Consequently, we are acting in line with NATO's highest standards – concluded the Ukrainian government spokesperson.
