FT: The United States warned Ukraine
U.S. officials have officially warned Ukraine against attacking Russian targets that are economically significant for the U.S.
According to Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., the United States has issued a formal warning to Ukraine regarding attacks on Russian targets that hold economic importance to the U.S. This warning follows a drone strike by Ukraine on Russia's Novorossiysk port in the Black Sea, which reportedly damaged two oil tankers associated with Russia's so-called shadow fleet. This fleet is crucial for circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia, highlighting the sensitive nature of the conflict and its implications for international relations. The strikes also impacted a terminal belonging to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, in which U.S. companies Chevron and Exxon hold stakes. The damage to these economic assets raises concerns about the potential for further escalations in the ongoing conflict and how they might affect U.S. interests in the region. Ukraine has not confirmed or denied its involvement in the attacks on the oil pipeline consortium terminal. Ukrainian diplomats have expressed frustration at the U.S.'s silence on the strikes, highlighting the tension in the partnership and the expectations from both sides as the conflict continues to evolve. As the U.S. seeks to maintain a delicate balance in supporting Ukraine while safeguarding its own economic interests, these developments underscore the complexities faced by both nations as they navigate their ongoing alliance amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape.