U.S. President Donald Trump considers Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries an escalation, but one that could bring the war closer to an end. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that Ukraine's successful strikes on military targets and infrastructure deep inside Russia are changing the course of the war. They made these statements during the U.S. president's conversation with journalists together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit, reports UNN.
Commenting on a Ukrainian journalist's question about long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries and military enterprises, Rubio noted that the situation has changed significantly in recent months.
"It's about Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russian territory. This is one of the changes that have occurred in this war over the past few months. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Russians to defend their own airspace," Rubio said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that such strikes represent an escalation, but could accelerate a political settlement.
"We hope this will create space for negotiations to end the war. It is an escalation, but at the same time, such an escalation could help bring it to a close," the U.S. Secretary of State emphasized.
U.S. President Donald Trump added that strikes on Russian refineries are an escalation that could bring peace closer.
"We hope this will create space for negotiations to end this war. Yes, it is an escalation, but at the same time, it is precisely this kind of escalation that could help bring it to a close," Trump said.
Recall
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia has lost its territorial advantage - the deep rear. The Head of State made this statement after Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Siberia. It concerns the Omsk Oil Refinery, located more than 2,500 km in a straight line from the Ukrainian border.
Fire Point chief designer Denys Shtilerman said that during the attack on the Omsk Refinery, a new modification of the Ukrainian long-range drone FP-1 was used. This refinery became the farthest target deep inside Russia to be hit by drones launched from Ukraine.
Omsk Refinery suspended operations after Ukrainian strikes - Reuters07.07.26, 22:51
Currently, there is not a single major oil refinery left on Russian territory that has not been struck by Ukrainian attack UAVs.