Secret US-Ukraine Cooperation in Targeted Strikes on Russian Energy Facilities
For several months, the United States has been actively assisting Ukraine in conducting strategic strikes against key Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries located far from the front lines.
According to unofficial sources, this effort began in mid-summer and was intensified after a phone conversation between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in July.
During this communication, the American leader expressed interest in enabling Ukraine to strike Moscow if it had access to long-range weapons, and Trump supported this strategy.
Sources indicate that US intelligence is heavily involved in planning each stage of these operations—selecting targets, routes, and timing—allowing Ukrainian forces to evade Russian air defense systems.
While US officials affirm that Ukrainian military personnel choose the targets, intelligence is provided to identify vulnerabilities.
However, some believe that the US influences the objectives and priorities of Ukrainian strikes—one source describes Ukrainian drones as a ‘tool’ for Washington aimed at undermining Russia’s economy and pressuring Putin toward diplomatic resolution.
Trump, who has been openly critical of Moscow since his displeasure surfaced at the Alaska summit, now publicly supports long-range missile strikes, considering them a means of exerting pressure on Russia.
Meanwhile, Kyiv continues active discussions with Washington regarding the possibility of receiving long-range missiles, including Tomahawk-type rockets, which could significantly shift the tactical landscape.
Ongoing consultations underscore how crucial this military aid could be for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.