Ukraine is linking any suspension of its attacks on Russian oil refineries to a reciprocal commitment from Moscow to stop striking Ukrainian energy facilities, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday. His position puts Kyiv at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called on Ukraine to end its refinery campaign.

The disagreement has expanded beyond battlefield strategy into a dispute over fuel costs, sanctions policy and Washington’s approach to the war. Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks for contributing to higher American diesel prices and has questioned Zelenskyy’s leadership.

On Saturday, Trump said Zelenskyy had “better damn well stop” the attacks and argued that Ukraine’s president had failed to seize previous opportunities to negotiate with Russia. Trump’s comments came as rising energy costs threaten to become a liability for Republicans before November’s congressional elections.

Zelenskyy maintains that Ukraine cannot be expected to suspend its operations while Russian forces continue targeting the country’s energy network. He said any understanding with Moscow would need enforceable assurances rather than promises alone.

“The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia and Russia alone,” Zelenskyy said. “It’s possible to stop strikes on energy infrastructure as early as today, but Putin does not want to do so.”

The Ukrainian president also criticized Trump’s announcement of a diesel supply arrangement involving Russia. Zelenskyy warned that providing Moscow with an economic opening could encourage further attacks against Ukraine.

Whether the arrangement will substantially ease fuel prices remains uncertain. Analysts have noted that Russian supplies are still below normal levels because attacks on refinery facilities have disrupted production and exports. That shortfall could limit the deal’s effect on international markets.

The proposal has also encountered resistance among U.S. lawmakers. Republican Representative Don Bacon called for Washington to tighten economic restrictions on Russia instead of relaxing them, highlighting divisions over how the administration should handle Moscow.

In Kyiv, Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should replace its president prompted objections from residents who believe leadership decisions should be made domestically. The issue is particularly sensitive because Ukraine’s wartime legal framework prevents elections from being held under martial law.

Sabina, a 40-year-old primary school teacher, defended Ukraine’s right to determine its own political future.

“No one has the right to tell us what to do, especially since elections cannot be held during wartime,” she said.

“In my view, it is a betrayal by our partners,” she said of Trump’s remarks.

Beyond the dispute with Washington, Kyiv continues to seek greater military support from European partners. Zelenskyy said consultations with European leaders would continue Sunday, with discussions focused in part on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses. The assistance under consideration includes ammunition for aircraft used to intercept Russian jet-powered drones.

Ukraine’s diplomatic agenda will continue Monday, when Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. The gathering is set to address additional sanctions against Russia and efforts to move Ukraine’s EU membership process forward.

The central question remains whether Moscow and Kyiv can agree to reciprocal limits on attacks against energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy’s position is that Ukraine is prepared to stop targeting Russian refineries, but only if Russia also ends its campaign against Ukraine’s energy system.