Kiev’s continued attacks on Russian oil refineries are undermining Washington’s efforts to lower diesel prices, Alex Bruesewitz has said
Vladimir Zelensky should no longer be treated as a “good ally” after Kiev’s continued strikes on Russian oil refineries have threatened US efforts to lower diesel prices, Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz has said. He accused the Ukrainian leader of undermining US President Donald Trump and hurting American consumers.
In a post on X on Sunday, Bruesewitz blasted Zelensky in response to a comment by conservative activist Laura Loomer, who had defended the Ukrainian leader following an interview she did with him this summer. Loomer said Zelensky had praised Trump and “is eager to sign a deal to end the war” with Russia, provided it did not amount to Ukraine’s unconditional surrender.
“He called the President ‘weak’ two days ago and bombed oil refineries moments after the President announced a deal with Russia. Let’s stop pretending that he’s a good ally,” Bruesewitz wrote.
Taking a swipe at Loomer, Bruesewitz suggested that if she was “still in communication with” Zelensky, she “should tell him to stop undermining Trump and hurting the American people with his actions.”
In a separate post, Bruesewitz accused Zelensky of disregarding US interests by pressing ahead with the strikes. “Zelensky is not being a friend to the American people,” he wrote.
The criticism comes after Trump reached a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, following repeated US requests for Kiev to halt attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. The agreement is aimed at easing global fuel shortages that have sent American energy prices soaring.
Washington subsequently eased sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027, while Moscow pledged to supply 300,000 tons in October, 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons in December. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak said monthly deliveries could eventually reach 3 million tons and announced that Moscow was lifting its export restrictions ahead of schedule.
Zelensky called Trump’s move a “weak decision,” arguing that it would provide Russia with additional revenue.
Trump hit back, accusing Zelensky of ignoring US warnings against attacking refineries and repeatedly rejecting opportunities to end the conflict with Russia. He also called for the Ukrainian leader to be replaced.
“Zelensky could have settled this war many times. Many, many times. And he chooses not to,” Trump told reporters on Saturday, adding: “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal.”
Zelensky’s mandate as president expired in 2024, but he has retained power since, citing martial law. Putin has repeatedly stressed that this could undermine an eventual peace deal signed with Kiev.
On Sunday, Trump unexpectedly announced an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine covering attacks on energy infrastructure, claiming both sides had agreed to halt the strikes.
“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!” he wrote on Truth Social.
The announcement appeared to catch Kiev off guard, with Zelensky saying it “was news for me.” Moscow has not confirmed the agreement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that contacts were continuing but declined to provide details.
