Zelenskyy resumes strikes on Russian refineries amid rift with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially ended a brief energy ceasefire with Russia, authorizing the resumption of drone strikes against Russian oil refineries. The decision follows a drone attack on a facility in the Ryazan region, which occurred shortly after Zelenskyy criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts to facilitate a deal with Moscow. Tensions escalated after Trump announced on October 11 a temporary energy ceasefire, which Ukraine observed for two days, only to abandon it due to ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure that left 600,000 citizens without power.

During a visit to London on October 14, Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to secure additional military support, including long-range missiles and anti-drone technology. Zelenskyy expressed feelings of betrayal regarding Trump’s recent calls for his replacement and the administration's pivot toward energy deals with the Kremlin. In response, President Trump condemned the renewed attacks on Russian refineries, calling them a "disgrace" that drives up global fuel prices, and claimed it is increasingly difficult to work with the Ukrainian leadership.

While the U.S. remains a key partner, Ukraine is now operating with a sense of diplomatic isolation from Washington. Zelenskyy has stated that future considerations for pausing such attacks would be contingent upon receiving more defensive equipment, specifically Patriot missile systems, to protect Ukrainian territory.