Ukraine strikes on Russian refineries spark US backlash as Trump attacks Zelenskyy

The day’s news is dominated by a sudden unravelling in the war in Ukraine, where a fragile energy ceasefire has collapsed into renewed strikes and recrimination. Elsewhere, a cultural fault line in Europe is laid bare by a film that has become an unexpected political lightning rod, while Britain’s political parties clash over economic policy as the cost of living continues to squeeze households.

Trump brands Ukraine’s refinery strikes a ‘disgrace’ as US warns of escalation

Donald Trump has called Ukraine’s decision to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace”, deepening a rift with Kyiv after a short-lived ceasefire collapsed this week. The former US president, who had claimed credit for brokering the pause in attacks on energy infrastructure, accused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being “more difficult to deal with than Putin”. The remarks came as Washington warned that the strikes risked driving up global oil prices and complicating diplomatic efforts to contain the war.

Ukraine resumed targeting Russian refineries after Zelenskyy announced the country was abandoning the ceasefire, which neither Moscow nor Kyiv had formally endorsed. The strikes, which have disrupted around 10% of Russia’s refining capacity, have drawn sharp criticism from the Biden administration, which fears they could provoke retaliatory measures against Western energy supplies. A White House spokesperson said the US was “monitoring the situation closely” and urged “all parties to exercise restraint”.

The dispute underscores the growing tensions between Kyiv and its Western allies over strategy. While Ukraine argues the strikes are a legitimate way to weaken Russia’s war machine, US officials worry they could destabilise global energy markets ahead of the presidential election. With Trump positioning himself as a potential mediator, his criticism of Zelenskyy signals a shift in tone that could reshape transatlantic support for Ukraine.

A film exposes Europe’s cultural fault lines

A Cannes-winning drama has ignited a continent-wide debate about values, family and the limits of state power. Fjord, directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, tells the story of a Romanian couple whose children are taken into state care in Norway over allegations of neglect. The film, which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, has struck a nerve in both countries, drawing crowds in Romania and sparking heated discussions in Norway about its child welfare system.

In Romania, screenings were met with standing ovations, with many viewers seeing the film as a critique of what they describe as Norway’s “dogmatic liberalism”. In Norway, reactions have been more divided, with some critics accusing the film of exaggerating the system’s flaws. The controversy reflects broader tensions within the EU over differing approaches to family policy, with Eastern European countries often clashing with Nordic nations over issues like corporal punishment and parental rights.

The film’s London premiere at the BFI London Film Festival next week is expected to reignite the debate, with organisers bracing for protests from both sides. As Europe grapples with rising populism and cultural divisions, Fjord has become an unlikely symbol of the continent’s identity crisis.

UK parties clash over minimum wage freeze

The Conservative Party has called for a five-year freeze on the minimum wage, arguing it would help tackle youth unemployment. The proposal, outlined in a report by the Prosperity Institute thinktank, has been endorsed by shadow business minister Andrew Sharpe, who said it was time to address the “low rate of young people in work”.

Labour has dismissed the idea as “tin-eared”, with a party spokesperson saying it would cost low-paid workers almost £9,000 over five years. The row comes as businesses warn that rising fuel costs are squeezing margins, with diesel prices recently topping £2 per litre. The government has yet to respond to calls for a duty freeze, leaving industries reliant on road transport facing mounting pressure.

The debate highlights the growing divide over how to balance economic growth with living standards. With inflation still above target and wage growth slowing, the minimum wage has become a flashpoint in the battle for Britain’s economic future.

The day in brief

• Health: A same-day infection test has been credited with saving the life of an intensive care patient, offering a new tool in the fight against hospital-acquired infections.
• Culture: Jonathan Glazer has criticised Israel’s retaliation against filmmakers involved in NAZA, the award-winning documentary about civilian deaths in Gaza, calling it “more venal than anticipated”.
• Environment: A study has found that commercial kitchen staff are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, with nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding WHO limits in some restaurants.

The week ends with geopolitical tensions simmering, cultural battles flaring, and economic pressures mounting. What comes next will test the resilience of alliances, the limits of free expression, and the ability of governments to navigate competing demands.