The United States has reportedly warned Ukraine that continued attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure could jeopardise intelligence cooperation between Washington and Kyiv, according to a report by the Financial Times. The development highlights growing tensions between the two allies as differences emerge over how far Ukraine should go in targeting Russia’s energy sector.
According to the report, senior US officials conveyed the message during nearly eight hours of discussions between Ukrainian representatives and members of the Trump administration in Miami. The talks reportedly focused on the future direction of the war, military cooperation and broader efforts to manage the conflict with Russia.
The warning comes amid controversy surrounding an agreement reached between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease restrictions affecting diesel supplies. The move has reportedly created friction with Ukrainian officials, who view attacks on Russian energy facilities as a legitimate way to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its military operations.
The Financial Times reported that Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner raised the possibility of suspending intelligence cooperation if Ukraine failed to comply with Washington’s request to halt strikes on Russian energy assets. US officials are said to be concerned that attacks on refineries could further disrupt global energy markets and complicate broader diplomatic efforts.
For Ukraine, however, oil refineries have become important strategic targets. Kyiv argues that reducing Russia’s fuel production capacity directly affects military logistics and revenue streams that help fund the war effort. Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike facilities deep inside Russian territory.
The reported warning signals a delicate balancing act for Washington. While the United States remains one of Ukraine’s most important security partners, it also appears keen to prevent actions that could escalate the conflict or undermine diplomatic initiatives.
Neither the White House nor Ukrainian authorities immediately commented publicly on the report. If confirmed, the discussions would mark one of the clearest signs yet of a policy disagreement between Washington and Kyiv over the conduct of the war and the targeting of Russia’s energy infrastructure.