The US has been secretly supporting Ukraine’s long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure to weaken Vladimir Putin’s economy and pressure him into negotiations.

American intelligence has helped Kyiv target key refineries and energy facilities deep inside Russia, causing disruptions that raised domestic fuel prices and forced export cuts.

This cooperation intensified after a July call between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which Trump reportedly signaled support for more aggressive strikes to “make Russia feel the pain.”

Washington’s intelligence has guided Ukraine in planning routes and timing for drone attacks, greatly improving their effectiveness, the Financial Times has reported.

The strikes have significantly damaged Russia’s refining capacity—up to 20%—while Moscow has been forced to import fuel from allies such as Belarus and China.