Budanov Confirms Allies' Request to Suspend Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has confirmed that international partners have expressed a request for Ukraine to suspend its airstrikes on Russian oil refineries. This request comes against the backdrop of rising global energy prices, which have been exacerbated by the war in the Middle East. Bloomberg reported on this development on Sunday, April 5.

Budanov noted that Kyiv has received signals regarding regular drone attacks; however, he did not disclose which specific allies made this request. "I will respond diplomatically: we are receiving certain signals regarding this," he stated.

This request emerges at a critical juncture as the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran enters a tense phase, causing significant disruptions in global oil supplies. These geopolitical factors have substantially bolstered the Kremlin's budget for the war due to increased oil revenues, which, as President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously pointed out, is a key issue for Ukraine's strategy aimed at weakening Moscow's economic capacity to sustain its invasion.

Despite the diplomatic pressure, Budanov expressed optimism that the conflict in the Middle East could come to a relatively swift conclusion. His comments were a response to a series of successful Ukrainian drone attacks that occurred overnight on Saturday and Sunday, targeting a LUKOIL oil refinery in Kstovo and an oil terminal in Primorsk on the Baltic Sea.

The timing of these "signals" is particularly sensitive, as a high-level U.S. delegation, including presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to arrive in Kyiv following the Easter holidays. Budanov had previously indicated that these discussions would focus on "substantial security guarantees" and the implementation of Ukraine's defense objectives.

It is important to note that the outcomes of the war with Russia will affect everyone. The harsh truth that many are reluctant to acknowledge is that Putin seeks to restore Moscow's lost glory and sphere of influence—at any cost. This underscores the necessity for Ukraine and its allies to find effective solutions to counter aggression and ensure stability in the region.