Ukraine Resumes Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries: 'Only Leverage' for Peace Talks, Says Expert

Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after President Zelensky declared the country 'done' with Trump's self-declared energy ceasefire. In an interview with FRANCE 24, Peter Zalmayev, Founder and Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, joins live from Kyiv to analyze the move. Zalmayev warns that a ceasefire requires mutual agreement, stating, 'When you talk about the energy ceasefire, it presupposes two to be able to tango and to dance this dance.' He challenges the legitimacy of Trump's unilateral announcement, made without agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, and argues that Ukraine's strikes are its 'only leverage' in any potential peace negotiations. The discussion also covers the broader dynamics of the war, including Western support and Russia's response. This segment offers expert insight into Ukraine's strategy and the complexities of achieving a lasting ceasefire amid escalating tensions.