Trump rebukes Zelensky over strikes on Russian refineries during Ireland visit
TBT DESK: US President Donald Trump has criticised Ukraine for targeting Russian oil refineries, warning that the strikes were contributing to fuel shortages as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Ireland.
Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should stop targeting Russian refineries producing diesel, while maintaining that Ukraine could continue striking other targets.
“Let him go after targets, but not diesel fuel,” Trump said, arguing that the attacks were contributing to a shortage of diesel.
His remarks came as oil prices have risen amid intensified fighting in the Middle East, adding to concerns over US fuel costs, inflation and the prospect of another Federal Reserve interest rate increase ahead of the US midterm elections.
Tariff relief for Irish whiskey
During the visit, Trump also said he would remove tariffs on Irish whiskey following appeals from Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and golfer Shane Lowry.
Irish whiskey exports to the United States have been hit by tariffs of up to 15 percent imposed by Trump on products from the European Union.
Trump ended his Ireland trip at his golf resort in Doonbeg, where he presented the Irish Open trophy to Lowry, who won the tournament.
The visit also brought renewed attention to Trump’s business interests. The former real estate magnate owns the Doonbeg resort and was accompanied by his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, who manage the family business.
Trump backs united Ireland
Trump also reignited controversy over the future of Ireland’s political status by saying he would “love to see” a united Ireland.
Breaking with Washington’s traditional neutrality on the issue, he said reunification between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland would eventually happen and suggested it might as well happen now.
He repeated the view on Sunday, saying bringing the two parts of the island together was “one of the naturals of all time”.
The comments drew criticism from British loyalists in Northern Ireland and some UK politicians.
Trump’s visit to Doonbeg was met by protests, with around 30 people demonstrating in the village on Sunday. Police had imposed road closures and checkpoints as part of a major security operation.
Security and conflict-of-interest concerns
Irish authorities reportedly deployed around 4,000 Irish and US security personnel during the weekend, with anti-drone technology among the measures used. The security operation was reported to cost about €20 million.
Trump’s use of his privately owned golf resort during an official presidential visit has also renewed questions over potential conflicts of interest.
Democrats in the United States have repeatedly criticised what they describe as blurred boundaries between Trump’s presidency and his business interests. The White House has rejected allegations that Trump is using his office to enrich himself.
University of Minnesota Law School professor Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, told AFP that Trump’s conduct could create concerns over whether people might seek favour from the president by doing business with his properties or companies.
