Zelensky defies Trump as Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries

Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries, signalling a breakdown in an energy-related ceasefire arrangement brokered by US President Donald Trump and exposing deepening tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

The renewed offensive follows a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, as President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of continuing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite Kyiv’s earlier restraint.

On Thursday it was reported that Zelensky had expressed growing frustration with the Trump administration, accusing Washington of applying pressure on Ukraine while failing to secure equivalent concessions from Russia.

The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv had complied with an arrangement to suspend attacks on Russian refineries in an effort to stabilise international fuel markets.

However, he argued that Russian forces had continued targeting Ukrainian electricity and energy facilities, leaving hundreds of thousands of civilians without power.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelensky also criticised restrictions affecting American intelligence-sharing arrangements and the performance of Starlink satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces.

He attributed the disruption to deliberate policy decisions by Washington, although the claims concerning US intentions remain contested.

Zelensky’s frustration has intensified following a Trump-brokered arrangement involving Russian diesel supplies and broader US pressure on Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president indicated that Kyiv would consider another suspension of refinery attacks only if Washington provided additional Patriot air-defence missile systems.

He described that as the minimum acceptable exchange for renewed restraint.

The latest developments come amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

The Associated Press reported that Russia launched more than 850 drones against Ukraine overnight, with Ukrainian authorities reporting civilian deaths and injuries.

Ukraine’s renewed targeting of Russian refineries is intended to disrupt fuel production and revenue streams supporting Moscow’s war effort.

However, attacks on energy infrastructure also carry wider economic implications, particularly at a time of heightened volatility in international oil and refined-fuel markets.

Sources: Reuters, 15 October 2026; Financial Times, 15 October 2026; Associated Press, 15 October 2026.