Kuleba responded to US criticism of strikes on refineries in Russia

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba sees no causal link between the attacks on oil refineries in Russia and the energy situation in the world. About a week ago, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin suggested such a connection.

This is reported with reference to a statement by a Ukrainian official on the air of a national telethon.

"I listened to Mr. Austin - he is a very great friend of Ukraine, he has done a lot for us, but in this matter, frankly, I do not see a causal relationship," Kuleba said.

The Foreign Minister is convinced that explosions and fires at oil refineries can affect the energy market of the aggressor country, Russia, and not the global one.

"When an oil refinery explodes in Russia, we see problems on the Russian energy market, but I don't see any problems on the global market," the minister emphasized.

The official also noted that due to Russia's constant air attacks on Ukraine and the shortage of Patriot air defense batteries, the number of civilian casualties is growing, and people are facing a lack of electricity and heat. In this context, Kuleba wondered whether "nobody cares about this?"

In addition, he emphasized that Ukraine is forced to defend itself against Russia's large-scale military aggression, including massive combined air attacks. Therefore, "we need to think in our own interests".

The minister suggested that if partner countries provide Ukraine with effective air defense equipment with a request "not to do certain things", then "there is a subject for discussion".

"And if we don't have these batteries, we don't have an aid package, and we are asked not to do something, then there is no subject matter, then what is there to talk about?" the Foreign Minister said.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 15/04/2024