Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is under pressure. While harboring frustration toward the United States, Ukraine ultimately had to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. On October 15, Zelenskyy explicitly stated that he instructed his military personnel not to target Russian refineries or any assets related to diesel during the energy ceasefire. “Even if we are right—because we are right—someone will still claim we violated the energy truce,” he said.

I do not wish to play this game. That is why, over the past three days, we have refrained from attacking any Russian energy or diesel infrastructure. Yet, during the same period, Russia launched attacks against us. The timing was particularly sensitive: just as the U.S. suspended sanctions on Russian diesel, it abruptly cut off Starlink services to Ukraine overnight. This sequence of actions has fueled deep resentment in Kyiv. Nevertheless, to accommodate U.S. domestic midterm election dynamics, Ukraine was compelled to suspend its strikes on Russian energy facilities.

The message from Washington was clear and direct: continued attacks on Russian refineries would result in severed intelligence sharing and potential restrictions on arms procurement. The implication is unambiguous—domestic political considerations in the United States outweigh other concerns, and oil prices must be kept low. Ukraine has no leverage in this standoff. From Kyiv’s perspective, its energy-targeting strategy has proven highly effective.

Independent assessments indicate that Russia’s crude oil processing volume has declined by approximately 25% compared to the same period last year. At one point, Crimea declared an emergency state due to fuel shortages. Beyond direct economic damage, these strikes have weakened Russia’s fiscal capacity, logistics networks, and increased costs for both businesses and consumers within Russia. Yet, despite tactical success, Ukraine faces a stark international reality: its strategic interests must yield to those of the United States. Zelenskyy cannot ignore the warning implied by Trump’s blunt statement: “It’s time for Ukraine to find a new president.” The message is unmistakable. But Washington holds the cards.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879099629066252/

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