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Estonian prime minister urges support for Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries, criticizes Trump’s diesel deal with Putin
Estonia has called for Ukraine to turn Russian oil refineries into "ruins," arguing that the recent US decision to allow imports of Russian diesel fuel was a mistake and urging an increase in military support for Kyiv. Prime Minister Kristen Michal responded to the US move—calling it a "big mistake"—by proposing that the European Council discuss ramping up aid to Ukraine so that its military could destroy Russian oil refineries.
Michal said he plans to raise the topic at the European Council meeting next week. "In Estonia, and at the European Council meeting next week, we need to discuss whether we can quickly increase support to Ukraine so Ukrainians can turn Russian oil refineries into ruins," Michal said.
The prime minister argued that deals with dictators "lead to hell." Instead of letting the Kremlin profit from oil exports, Michal said Europe should focus on assisting Ukraine. He emphasized that revenues from oil and fuel sales are used to fund Russia's war against Ukraine. Michal added that new agreements on Russian energy exports contradict Western efforts to limit Russia's income.
Michal is urging the European Union and its partners to give Ukraine's armed forces enough resources to systematically destroy Russia's oil refinery infrastructure. He stated that it is not the time to lift sanctions or make concessions in the energy sector.
His remarks came after reports circulated that American diplomats have pressured Ukraine to scale back or halt drone strikes against Russian oil refineries. Estonia and the other Baltic states have consistently backed tougher sanctions against Russia and the lifting of restrictions on long-range weaponry for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the US decision by proposing an agreement: Ukraine would refrain from attacking Russian refineries if Russia stopped destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Analysts have questioned whether Russian diesel imports would lower fuel prices in the US. Some have also pointed out that the deal may contradict American law.
Germany stated that it will maintain its sanctions against Russia, while former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the US decision "disgusting".
Entrepreneur, economist, and crisis management expert Oleh Sarkyts discusses in his article how attacks on Russia's refining and energy industries could increase economic pressure on Moscow.
