The US responds differently to damage to its facilities in Russia and in Ukraine, where American assets are constantly targeted by Russian missiles. This stance, according to military expert Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, serves as an "element of pressure on Ukraine," Kyiv 24 reports.
Romanenko emphasizes the stark contrast: the US reacts differently to damage to its own assets in Russia than to attacks on American-linked facilities in Ukraine.
For example, on the night of 21 August 2025, a Russian missile strike hit the Flex factory in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia, causing a fire over 7,000 square meters.
The response involved 96 rescuers and 20 units of equipment. The attack injured 23 people (including shrapnel wounds and trauma to limbs, abdomen, and head), while 2,500 workers lost their jobs, as per the BBC.
“As many allies, as many interests”
“Unfortunately, Ukraine’s interests in this war are separate from those of its allies. As many allies, as many interests,” Romanenko notes.
Despite criticism from Washington, he believes that Kyiv does not intend to stop demilitarizing Russia’s fuel sector, but the strategy for strikes has been adjusted: targets will now be chosen more carefully to avoid any risk to Western partner assets.
“I believe strikes on all fuel-related infrastructure will continue, but we will strike more precisely so as not to affect American business,” the lieutenant general says.
No actions are directed against third countries
Ukraine stated that “no actions by the Ukrainian side are directed against the Republic of Kazakhstan or any other third parties. All efforts are focused on repelling full-scale Russian aggression, as guaranteed under Article 51 of the UN Charter.”
Within carefully planned and strategically justified defensive operations, the Ukrainian Defense Forces systematically weaken the military-industrial potential of the aggressor and deprive it of the means to wage criminal war and kill civilians, striking in response to Russia's attacks.
