According to reports from the Financial Times on Friday, the United States has urged Ukraine to cease its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Sources familiar with the matter highlighted concerns that such drone strikes could provoke retaliation and contribute to a surge in global oil prices.

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The attacks on Russian energy infrastructure by Ukraine have coincided with a nearly 4% increase in oil prices since March 12. These developments have raised concerns about the potential impact on gasoline prices in the United States, which could adversely affect President Joe Biden’s approval ratings and his prospects for re-election.

Both Russia and Ukraine have utilized drones to target critical infrastructure, military installations, and troop concentrations during their ongoing conflict spanning more than two years. In recent months, Kyiv has specifically targeted Russian refineries and energy facilities.