Zelenskyy resumes strikes on Russian refineries as tensions with Trump rise

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially ended a brief pause in military operations against Russian energy infrastructure, declaring that the block on strikes against oil refineries is over. This decision follows weeks of escalating political friction with U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently brokered a diesel supply deal with Moscow and called for the replacement of the Ukrainian leadership. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine observed a three-day moratorium on such attacks, but continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities made the suspension untenable.

During a visit to London on October 14, Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to secure commitments for accelerated deliveries of long-range missiles and air defense equipment. The Ukrainian leader openly expressed feelings of betrayal regarding the U.S. administration's shift in policy, noting that despite these challenges, his government remains committed to its defensive efforts. Following his announcement, reports confirmed that a new Ukrainian drone strike hit a refinery in the Ryazan region. As the conflict intensifies, Zelenskyy also requested that Elon Musk restore Starlink services, which he claims have been hampered, affecting frontline communication and interception capabilities against Russian aerial threats.