Ukraine has initiated fresh attacks on Russian refineries by targeting a facility in the Ryazan region, as confirmed by the local governor on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the withdrawal of U.S. intelligence support, following a recent energy ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv had refrained from targeting Russian refineries in line with Trump’s ceasefire announcement, which accused these refineries of impacting global diesel prices.
However, Zelenskyy’s patience wore thin due to ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, resulting in a power outage for 600,000 individuals. He emphasized that Ukraine would not indefinitely halt its attacks if Russia failed to reciprocate, and criticized what he perceived as Trump’s bias towards Russia. In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine’s restraint on refinery attacks was over, stating, “The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done.”
The governor of Russia’s Ryazan region, Pavel Malkov, reported via Telegram that a significant Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at an oil refinery in the area. The refinery, owned by Russian oil giant Rosneft, is a crucial supplier of fuel to Moscow and has been targeted multiple times by drones in recent months, accounting for nearly five percent of Russia’s total oil refining capacity.
Zelenskyy criticized Washington’s eagerness to engage in business dealings with Moscow and Trump’s admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, in response, urged Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy and condemned the country’s attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, following his announcement of a diesel supply deal with Russia aimed at lowering escalating fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions.
Despite Ukraine’s temporary suspension of refinery attacks, officials voiced concerns over the lack of early-warning alerts from the U.S. regarding incoming Russian ballistic missiles. Additionally, disruptions in the military version of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications service across Ukraine hindered military operations and strikes against Russian military targets.
Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian military officials were informed by their U.S. counterparts that intelligence sharing would be halted unless attacks on Russian energy infrastructure ceased. He dismissed claims of technical glitches and emphasized the importance of “will” in the matter. With no immediate European alternative to Starlink available for Ukrainian forces, efforts are underway by European entities to develop long-term solutions.
In discussions regarding repairing relations with the U.S., Zelenskyy expressed willingness to consider halting energy strikes in exchange for increased supplies of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors. The tumultuous relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy, stemming from past events including Trump’s impeachment over pressure on Ukraine for political favors, has further complicated diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In recent developments, the central Ukrainian region of Kirovohrad faced a significant Russian drone attack, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. The attacks targeted critical infrastructure, residential areas, and transport facilities, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Ukraine’s military reported significant damage to Russian military aircraft in a strike on a Russian airfield, though independent verification of these reports is pending.