Kaja Kallas backs resumption of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries

EU position on Russian oil infrastructure

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas expressed support for Ukraine's decision to resume attacks on oil refineries within Russian territory. She described such actions as entirely justified and beneficial for achieving the ultimate goal of the conflict.

The comments were made ahead of the start of the EU summit. According to the top diplomat, the main objective of strikes on oil facilities is to limit the oil revenues of the aggressor state.

War financing as a target for restrictions

Kallas emphasised that the majority of funds Moscow spends on conducting hostilities come from the oil sector. She noted that the resumption of attacks indicates that Ukraine seeks to end the war, as stopping war financing is the only way to achieve this outcome.

«Більша частина коштів, які Росія виділяє на війну, надходить від доходів від нафти. Тож Україна (поновивши удари по НПЗ) явно хоче, щоб ця війна закінчилася. Адже, як ви розумієте, припинення фінансування війни – це єдиний спосіб досягти цього» (The majority of funds that Russia allocates to the war come from oil revenues. So Ukraine (by resuming strikes on refineries) clearly wants this war to end. Because, as you understand, stopping war financing is the only way to achieve this), she stated.

Pressure must be applied to the aggressor

The head of European diplomacy also expressed disagreement with those who pressure Kyiv. In her view, to end the hostilities, it is necessary to increase pressure on Russia, not to force Ukraine into capitulation.

«Ми вважаємо, що для того, щоб покласти край цій війні, слід чинити тиск на Росію, а не на Україну, змушуючи її капітулювати, і в цьому питанні ми демонструємо тверду рішучість» (We believe that in order to put an end to this war, pressure should be applied to Russia, not to Ukraine, forcing it to capitulate, and in this matter we demonstrate firm determination), Kallas concluded.