Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries as tensions with US grow

Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, after a brief pause.

Early Thursday, Ukrainian drones hit a refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, south-east of Moscow, and a fire broke out, according to Russian officials.

Zelensky said he had restricted such attacks for three days at Washington’s request, but Russia kept striking Ukrainian energy sites, leaving many people without power.

He said Kyiv’s patience had run out after the proposed energy truce was not followed by Russia; the Kremlin did not say it had agreed to the truce.

Zelensky also accused the United States of withholding intelligence and restricting Starlink services, which Ukraine relies on for air defence and military operations.

Trump denied that the United States had stopped sharing intelligence, while Ukrainian officials said Starshield’s ability to operate while moving had been restored.

The dispute could strain Kyiv’s ties with Washington, and Zelensky was due to meet European Union leaders in Brussels as Ukraine seeks support.