U.S. opposes strikes on Russia: Will Ukraine change drone targets?

Ukraine will keep striking Russian oil infrastructure despite Washington’s objections. However, Ukrainian Armed Forces will have to select targets more cautiously to avoid affecting the economic interests of U.S. partners.

The assessment was made by military analyst, retired Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, in an interview with Kyiv24 TV.

National interests and the use of weapons

For Ukraine, it remains a priority to continue systematically destroying enemy oil refining infrastructure. At the same time, these targets can sometimes conflict with the views of allies, as the U.S. seeks to avoid strikes on facilities in Russia where its businesses are present.

Washington has levers of influence, as it can restrict the use of even the weapons provided to Ukraine by European partners. Nevertheless, the Armed Forces rely on their own means of strike, primarily long-range drones and a limited number of domestically produced missiles.

«The interests of Ukraine in this war are separate from the interests of our allies. I think attacks on everything related to fuel will continue. But targets will be chosen more carefully so as not to affect American business, ” the Lieutenant General explained.

Diplomacy on a knife-edge

Ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory are directly impacting relations with the United States. According to the expert, Kyiv must balance operational needs with preserving partnership ties.

The new U.S. administration sees benefits in selling American oil instead of Russian, but wants US assets in Russia to remain untouched. As a result, Ukrainian forces will need to adjust their strategy and strike with greater precision.

«The issue is that Ukraine must continue to influence this through its own means. It is important to note that this affects relations with the Americans. This is military diplomacy on a knife-edge, ” Romanenko said.