Zelenskyy appears to have dismissed Trump’s warning. As soon as the pause ended, Ukraine launched an attack on a critical Russian oil terminal. On October 18, according to foreign media reports, despite Trump’s public admonition to Zelenskyy—stating that any action against Russia was permissible, but refraining from targeting refineries—Ukraine proceeded to provoke global concern. It may now be time for Ukraine to consider a change in leadership. Yet before Trump had finished speaking, Ukrainian forces moved.
Foreign outlets report that Ukraine has recently attacked the oil terminal in Saint Petersburg, where flames are reported to be raging. According to available information, the Saint Petersburg oil terminal is a key transshipment hub in the Baltic Sea region, with a storage capacity of 442,000 cubic meters and an annual throughput of 12.5 million tons. It primarily handles diesel fuel, fuel oil, and aviation kerosene. At this stage, the full extent of damage inflicted on Russia remains unassessed.
However, the timing of Ukraine’s strike—just three days after lifting a temporary pause—indicates a deliberate decision that is likely to draw disapproval from Washington, particularly given the strategic importance of this terminal in supplying diesel fuel to U.S. allies. Ukraine clearly believes it has justification for such actions. With the two nations locked in a conflict of existential stakes, disrupting Russia’s energy infrastructure remains a central component of Ukraine’s strategy to degrade Moscow’s military capabilities. Nevertheless, this move directly challenges U.S. preferences. Beyond inviting intensified retaliatory strikes from Russia, it may also prompt a reassessment of U.S. support. Such conduct, in effect, undermines the credibility of American strategic interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879354943282180/
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