KYIV: US President Donald Trump criticised President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Sunday after a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian oil terminal. Zelensky rejected his accusation that Kyiv opposed peace.
Russian authorities identified the St Petersburg Oil Terminal as one of the targets. Local officials reported one death, five injuries and damage to homes during the attacks.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that he wanted to avoid driving Russia away from negotiations. He accused Zelensky of not wanting to end the war, while the Ukrainian leader reaffirmed his support for a lasting settlement.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed its forces shot down 1,015 Ukrainian drones overnight into Sunday. Ukrainian drone manufacturer Fire Point reported a fire at the terminal after the strike.
A week earlier, Trump had announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Neither government acknowledged such an agreement.
However, Zelensky accused Russia of attacking Ukraine’s energy, oil and gas sectors 76 times since that announcement. Ukrainian authorities reported 11 deaths and nearly 50 injuries from Russian attacks in the 24 hours to Sunday morning.
Separately, Trump invoked a waiver on Friday that exempts Russia from sweeping economic penalties Congress mandated.
Zelensky argued on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that the decision strengthened Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. The leaders’ dispute also extends to military support.
Zelensky claimed Washington had blocked intelligence sharing for three days before restoring it. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any pause.
Meanwhile, Zelensky blamed the US government for restrictions affecting satellite services used to guide Ukrainian drones. The Trump administration denied ordering those restrictions.
Despite the public criticism, Zelensky confirmed discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner on Sunday about efforts to secure long-term peace.
