The Times calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries in exchange for Patriot missiles

British newspaper The Times, in an editorial, has called on Ukraine to temporarily halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, complying with the demand of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In the newspaper’s view, Ukraine should consider a “difficult compromise” and agree to a strategic pause in strikes on Russian energy facilities. The Times believes such a step could prevent a further deterioration in relations between Washington and Kyiv, which, according to the paper, would deprive Ukraine of an important instrument of pressure on Moscow.

As a possible deal, The Times points to a proposal put forward by Republican U.S. senators Roger Wicker and Kevin Cramer during their recent visit to Ukraine. The proposal involves additional missiles for Patriot systems and an expansion of Starshield coverage to 300 km into Russian territory. In the newspaper’s view, Kyiv could attempt to negotiate these terms in exchange for halting attacks on oil refineries.

Western media had previously reported that U.S. congressmen in Kyiv discussed the idea of halting strikes on Russian oil refineries for 100 days.

Against this backdrop, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries. In response, Trump accused Zelensky of continuing to strike Russian oil refineries, adding that the Ukrainian president does not want to end the war “and probably never did.”