Ukraine resumes attacks on Russian oil refineries after U.S. energy ceasefire

Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries on Thursday, ending a three-day pause that began after President Donald Trump announced a unilateral "energy ceasefire." Kyiv said the ceasefire was repeatedly violated by Russian attacks on its power grid and that the United States had curtailed intelligence sharing and Starlink satellite services critical to its defence.

In an interview with the Financial Times, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the block on refinery attacks was lifted, stating, "> The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We’re done."

Shortly after the interview, a fire was reported at an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, which the Russian defence ministry attributed to a Ukrainian attempt at a massive attack.

The United States had recently eased sanctions on Russian diesel exports and urged Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian energy assets. Ukrainian officials said the move, along with reported restrictions on Starlink’s military-grade service, Starshield, was intended to pressure Kyiv in ongoing peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that the slowdown of Starlink services was limiting Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones, noting that more than 850 drones had entered Ukrainian airspace since midnight on Thursday. He added that the reduction in U.S. intelligence and satellite support was "dangerous" for Ukraine’s defence.

Elon Musk, whose company provides the satellite service, said decisions about restricting Starshield were made by the U.S. military and ultimately President Trump. Musk also posted that it was "time for Zelenskyy to go."

Ukrainian military officials said they had been warned by U.S. counterparts that continued energy strikes could lead to a suspension of intelligence assistance. Experts cautioned that any further reduction in intelligence or satellite connectivity could undermine Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities as winter approaches.