Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s refineries, Zelensky tells FT, as frustration with Trump mounts: news

Ukraine to Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries: Zelensky Rejects Pressure Amid Mounting Tensions With Trump

KYIV / LONDON Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine will resume deep drone strikes against Russian oil refineries, declaring that Kyiv has lifted its temporary pause despite mounting pressure from the White House. Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times, Zelensky voiced sharp frustration with U.S. President Donald Trump, citing unreciprocated concessions and restricted military capabilities.

End of the Temporary Energy Ceasefire

Zelensky stated that Kyiv briefly paused targeted operations against Russian energy infrastructure to comply with an “energy ceasefire” pushed by Washington. However, the pause collapsed after Moscow continued attacking Ukrainian power plants and fuel depots unabated.

“The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done,” Zelensky told the Financial Times.

Shortly following the announcement, Ukrainian long-range drones struck a major Rosneft oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, igniting significant fires and demonstrating Kyiv’s return to degrading Moscow’s domestic fuel supplies and war economy revenues.

Friction With Washington and Intelligence Warnings

The decision underscores widening geopolitical strain between Kyiv and Washington:

• Curtailed Support: Zelensky revealed that while Ukraine observed the strike moratorium, access to critical military communications and early-warning missile intelligence was restricted or throttledincluding slowdowns affecting the Starshield satellite network.

  The New Indian Express

• Rejection of “Technical Glitch” Excuses: Ukrainian leadership dismissed claims that system throttles were accidental, stating they were intentional diplomatic leverage meant to force an end to Russian refinery strikes.

  LocalNews8.com

• Conditions for Any Future Truce: Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not unilaterally compromise its security. Any formal halt to energy strikes would require firm, tangible security guaranteesspecifically naming additional U.S.-supplied Patriot air defense interceptors as the absolute minimum requirement.

  The Moscow Times

Strategic Impact on Russia’s Energy Sector

Ukraine’s renewed drone campaign directly targets Russia’s processing capacities, aviation fuel production, and diesel exports. By disrupting domestic refining hubs hundreds of kilometers beyond the front lines, Kyiv aims to force Russian air defenses away from the contact line and choke the revenue streams funding the Kremlin’s ongoing invasion.