Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after President Volodymyr Zelensky angrily accused the United States of betraying Kyiv with a “dangerous” withdrawal of support critical to its defense against Russia.
Ukraine held off on attacks for three days after President Donald Trump’s unilateral “energy ceasefire” announcement but accused Russia of repeatedly attacking its power grid. In an interview with the Financial Times published Thursday, Zelensky indicated his patience had been exhausted. “The block on attacking refineries is out. We’re done,” he was quoted as saying.
Hours later, a fire was reported at an oil refinery in the western Ryazan region. The Russian Defense Ministry said Ukraine had “attempted a massive attack on the Ryazan oil refinery.”
The Starlink Restrictions
Satellite internet functionality via Starshield — the military version of SpaceX’s service — was being restored Thursday morning, according to a source in the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The restoration followed Ukraine’s accusation that Elon Musk’s Starlink had slowed its terminals, disrupting battlefield missions and its ability to intercept Russian drones attacking Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine was swarmed by Russian drones Wednesday and, since early Thursday, more than 850 had filled the skies over Ukraine, Zelensky said. “And this comes precisely at a time when the speed of our defensive capabilities is being artificially restricted,” he said.
Musk, a staunch ally of Trump, wrote on social media that decisions on restricting the use of Starshield were up to the US military and ultimately Trump. Overnight, Musk said it was “time for Zelenskyy to go.”
The Intelligence Threat
Ukrainian military officials were told by their US counterparts that “if you will not stop the energy strikes, we will block intelligence,” Zelensky said, according to the Financial Times, although it was subsequently presented to Kyiv as a technical glitch.
The withdrawal of intelligence and simultaneous weakening of Starlink satellite internet were “dangerous” for Ukraine at a time when Russia is intensifying its strikes, he told the newspaper. In a separate interview with Piers Morgan on Wednesday, Zelensky said he felt “betrayed” by Trump’s actions.
The Political Context
Trump struck a diesel deal with Russia in an apparent bid to relieve pressure at the pump ahead of the midterm elections. He then demanded that Ukraine stop attacking Russian oil facilities and called for Zelensky to be replaced as its leader.
Trump has blamed the Ukrainian campaign for fueling a rise in energy prices, despite the impact of his own war with Iran. The moves caused frustration and confusion in Ukraine and Europe, intensifying concerns over how much of an ally the US remained in the fight against Russia.
The White House did not immediately respond to an overnight request for comment on Zelensky’s accusations and the renewed Ukrainian strikes.
The Bottom Line
Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after Zelensky declared “we’re done” with the US-imposed pause. The strikes followed Starlink restrictions and an apparent threat to cut intelligence sharing. Zelensky said he feels “betrayed” by Trump, who has demanded Ukraine stop attacking Russian oil and called for Zelensky’s replacement. Starshield was being restored Thursday morning.
