Zelensky to Resume Strikes on Russian Refineries as Energy Truce Collapses

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine will resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, adopting a more defiant stance toward US President Donald Trump, according to an interview published Thursday by the Financial Times.

Since Trump returned to office, American support for Ukraine has varied, often shifting with the US leader’s unexpected public statements that have surprised both Moscow and Kyiv.

Last week, Trump unilaterally announced an “energy ceasefire” that was never publicly confirmed by either side.

Russia continued striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the period.After a fresh wave of Russian attacks on Ukrainian facilities on Wednesday, Zelensky told the FT:

“The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We’re done.”On Thursday, Russia reported that Ukraine had attacked an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, south of Moscow.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has endured repeated strikes on its power grid and has steadily expanded what it describes as retaliatory operations into Russian territory, including against refineries.

Trump criticised those Ukrainian attacks, particularly after arranging a diesel deal with Moscow and pressing Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian energy sites.

Zelensky said Ukraine had paused its own strikes for several days in response to US requests, even as Russia denied any agreement and continued its assaults.

Kyiv rejected Russian claims that Ukraine had attempted further attacks during the pause.