Ukraine Resumes Oil Refinery Strikes, Ending Trump Ceasefire Support
Kyiv's renewed attacks on Russian energy infrastructure escalate tensions amid claims of Starlink restrictions and souring US relations.
Carla Rooney
Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries on Thursday.
A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a fire at a major oil refinery in Russia's Ryazan region. Separately, a fuel terminal in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, reignited after blazing for five days.
Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraine ended its support for Donald Trump's energy ceasefire. He stated, "The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We're done."
The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We're done.
Zelensky felt "betrayed" by Donald Trump after Starlink access was limited. Ukraine confirmed Starlink services had been restricted, hobbling Ukrainian drone strike missions and crucial air defenses.
Relations between Kyiv and Washington soured last week. Zelensky claims the cutting off of US intelligence sharing and the weakening of the Starlink satellite internet service endangers civilians.
Donald Trump claims Volodymyr Zelensky drives up global energy prices. Trump further claims Ukraine's renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries push up global energy prices, calling the situation "a disgrace."
I’m not a big fan of Zelenskyy.
The US recently announced a deal to import Russian diesel to the American market to lower fuel prices. Zelensky warned the deal would direct funds into Vladimir Putin's pocket.
Trump eased sanctions on Russia in exchange for Moscow releasing large amounts of diesel onto global markets. British defense secretary Wes Streeting said his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, assured him the satellite communications system had been restored, despite Ukraine's continued reports of restrictions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Nato chief Mark Rutte in Brussels. Polish prime minister Donald Tusk posted online, expressing support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said the Kremlin launched a drone strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in Lutsk. Meanwhile, EU leaders grapple with internal disputes over high energy prices and the bloc's budget.
Donald Trump stated, "I’m not a big fan of Zelenskyy."