Russia Rejects U.S. Support for Ukrainian Drone Strikes, Warns Conflict Could Escalate

Russia has criticised the United States over comments suggesting that Ukraine's long-range drone strikes on Russian energy facilities could help bring the war to an end, insisting that increased military pressure will only prolong the conflict.

Ukraine has intensified its campaign of long-range drone attacks, targeting oil depots, refineries and military installations deep inside Russian territory. Kyiv has defended the strikes as a response to Russia's continued missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure.

The issue gained renewed attention following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump appeared to support the strategy.

"It's an escalation, but it's also an escalation that can help lead to an end," Trump said when asked about the strikes.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed support, arguing that sustained damage to Russia's energy infrastructure could increase pressure on Moscow and encourage meaningful negotiations aimed at ending the war.

However, the Kremlin dismissed the U.S. position, insisting that military and economic pressure would not force Russia into making diplomatic concessions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Washington was mistaken in believing that escalating military pressure could pave the way for a peace settlement.

According to Peskov, the cross-border attacks are more likely to intensify and prolong the conflict than bring it to a close. He also warned that Russia would respond by creating a "larger security zone," a term Moscow has previously used to describe efforts to expand its control over additional territory in eastern Ukraine to push Ukrainian forces farther from its borders.

Ukraine's drone campaign has nevertheless caused significant disruption to Russia's energy sector, with repeated strikes damaging major oil depots and processing facilities.

The attacks have contributed to supply disruptions, forcing Russia to introduce temporary restrictions on refined fuel exports, while reports indicate that many regions across the country have experienced fuel shortages or implemented fuel rationing measures.