Trump says Zelensky prolongs war by striking Russian refineries

US President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not wanting to end the war and deliberately targeting Russian oil refineries, while postponing sanctions against Russia to avoid disrupting peace talks. Trump stated he is negotiating peace and does not want to push Russia away from the table, citing progress on hostage talks and Iran as reasons for delaying sanctions. He claimed Zelensky's strikes on refineries harm global diesel markets, including US farmers. Trump suggested Ukraine could have secured a better deal two years ago, describing the country as ruined. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration needs 60 days to assess sanctions' economic impact, while Zelensky called the US steps an attempt to force capitulation.