FT: US urges Kyiv to stop strikes on russian refineries. Ukraine says it is fighting with all available capabilities

FT: US urges Kyiv to stop strikes on russian refineries. Ukraine says it is fighting with all available capabilities

Kyiv  •  UNN

March 22 2024, 01:09 PM • 25978 views

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said that despite Washington's calls to limit strikes on russia's energy infrastructure, Kyiv is forced to fight with the resources it has.

Washington has allegedly called on Ukraine to stop drone attacks on russian refineries to avoid further escalation and rising energy prices. This was reported by the Financial Times and UNN , citing their own sources.

Details

The publication notes that it spoke to three interlocutors on condition of anonymity. The warning was allegedly repeatedly conveyed to Kyiv by top officials of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Main Intelligence Directorate, which oversee Ukraine's unmanned strike systems development program.  

One of the interlocutors noted that the White House is concerned about Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, terminals and other energy infrastructure in the western part of russia, which have affected russian production in this area.

The likely reason for the concern is a possible global increase in world prices, as Rrussia is still one of the largest exporters despite the sanctions.

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In addition, the United States admits that in response to Ukrainian strikes, russia could do something to energy infrastructure important to Western countries, such as the pipeline that pumps oil from Kazakhstan through russia for export to global markets. 

The newspaper added that in response to requests for comment, the National Security Council said that the United States "does not encourage or enable" Ukrainian strikes on targets in russia.

Position of Ukraine 

The publication also provides a commentary on this issue by Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna.

Olga Stefanishyna noted that other Kyiv officials have already stated that from a military point of view, russian energy infrastructure is a legitimate target.

British intelligence: Russian oil refining capacity temporarily reduced due to numerous Ukrainian drone strikes on refineriesMarch 9 2024, 11:26 AM • 100031 view

We understand the call of our American partners. At the same time, we are fighting with the capabilities, resources and practices that we have today

- Stefanishyna said, commenting on the Financial Times article.

The vice prime minister also said that Ukraine understands the call of its American partners, "at the same time, we are fighting with the capabilities, resources and practices that we have available today.

Recall

The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the Special Operations Forces and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, conducted successful drone strikes on a Slavic oil refinery in russia.

In addition, last week, the SBU's strike drones targeted three more Rosneft oil refineries in the Samara region.