Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the United States of betraying Kyiv with a dangerous withdrawal of support critical to its defense against Russia.
The decision follows a three-day pause in attacks after President Donald Trump’s unilateral announcement of an energy ceasefire, during which Ukraine accused Russia of repeatedly striking its power grid and expressed frustration over gaps in intelligence-sharing and restrictions on Starlink service.
Zelenskyy Declares End to Trump-Backed Energy Ceasefire
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Kyiv was abandoning the ceasefire covering energy sites announced by US President Donald Trump, stating in an interview with the Financial Times that the block on attacking refineries was out and that Ukraine was done.
Zelenskyy criticised what he saw as Trump’s willingness to strike deals with Russia, his apparent admiration for Putin, and his affinity for those wielding power or considerable wealth, saying Trump speaks openly about respecting leaders who have held power for decades.
Ukraine Strikes Ryazan Refinery Accounting for Nearly 5% of Russia’s Throughput
Ukraine’s latest target was a refinery in the Ryazan region southeast of Moscow, which is owned by state oil major Rosneft and accounts for nearly 5% of Russia’s refinery throughput, helping supply the capital.
Regional governor Pavel Malkov said on Telegram that a major Ukrainian drone attack had caused a fire at the refinery, while the Russian Defense Ministry said Ukraine had attempted a massive attack on the facility.
Starlink Restrictions Cited as Key Factor in Kyiv’s Decision
Zelenskyy said he believed changes in the capability of the military version of SpaceX’s Starlink receptors this week, which curbed Ukraine’s ability to pilot its drones, were a policy decision, not a technical problem, stating it was the will.
The Ukrainian government has received no response from SpaceX or the U.S. Defense Department about the reason for the recent limitations, a Ukrainian official said, and Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires Denys Sienik told NBC News that Starlink functionality via Starshield had resumed at previous speeds for the moment, though he hoped it would remain unchanged.
Growing Rift Between Trump Administration and Ukrainian Leadership
Zelenskyy’s relations with Trump have been testy, particularly after a February 2025 Oval Office meeting descended into a shouting match, though he has since praised Trump and US help for Ukraine and said in recent days that Ukraine fully backed the energy ceasefire despite waves of Russian attacks.
By walking away from Trump’s demand that Ukraine halt attacks on Russian refineries and openly criticising the US leader, Zelenskiy risks deepening the biggest rift between Kyiv and Washington since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Violating Energy Truce Through Power Grid Attacks
Ukraine accused Russia of repeatedly striking its power grid during the three-day pause in refinery attacks, undermining the energy ceasefire announced by Donald Trump. Kyiv argued that Moscow’s actions demonstrated bad faith, as Russian forces continued targeting energy infrastructure despite the truce covering such sites. This pattern of Russian aggression contributed to Zelenskyy’s decision to resume offensive operations against Russian refineries.
The Ukrainian leadership framed the resumption of strikes as a necessary response to Russia’s failure to uphold its side of the agreement, particularly the ongoing disruption to Ukraine’s electricity supply. By highlighting Russia’s attacks on power stations and grid facilities, Ukraine sought to justify its shift from restraint to retaliation in the energy domain.
Ukraine Accuses Trump of Pressuring Kyiv to Replace Zelenskyy
Ukraine has accused the Trump administration of pressuring Kyiv to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of broader efforts to influence Ukrainian leadership during the ongoing conflict. According to NBC News, Trump reportedly demanded Zelenskyy’s removal following a diesel deal with Russia aimed at alleviating fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. This demand came after Trump announced a unilateral energy ceasefire that surprised both warring sides and intensified frustrations in Kyiv over perceived U.S. alignment with Moscow.
The allegations highlight a deepening rift between Kyiv and Washington, with Ukrainian officials viewing Trump’s actions as an attempt to undermine Zelenskyy’s authority while simultaneously pressuring Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian refineries. Despite Trump’s public praise for Zelenskyy and U.S. support in earlier statements, behind-the-scenes pressure to change leadership has contributed to growing distrust. Ukrainian leaders argue such interference undermines national sovereignty and complicates wartime coordination with Western allies.
Trump’s Diesel Deal With Russia Fuels Kyiv’s Distrust
President Trump struck a diesel deal with Russia aimed at alleviating fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, a move Ukraine viewed as aligning American interests with Moscow’s during wartime. Kyiv interpreted the agreement as evidence of Trump’s willingness to prioritize domestic political gains over steadfast support for Ukraine’s defense. The deal intensified suspicions that the Trump administration was using energy policy as leverage to influence Ukrainian leadership and battlefield decisions.
Ukrainian officials argued that the diesel agreement undermined the credibility of the U.S. as a reliable wartime partner, especially when coupled with Trump’s simultaneous demand that Kyiv halt attacks on Russian refineries. The perception of a quid pro quo—where U.S. economic concessions to Russia were paired with pressure on Ukraine to limit its offensive capabilities—fueled Zelenskyy’s accusation of betrayal. This context helped justify Kyiv’s decision to resume strikes, framing them as a necessary response to perceived U.S. ambivalence.
Allied Responses and Energy‑Market Fallout
British Defence Minister Wes Streeting and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly welcomed the restoration of Starlink service in Ukraine, urging both nations to “move forward in a collective spirit.” Their statements underscored a broader NATO concern that the abrupt cease‑fire and its reversal could destabilise coordinated support for Kyiv and complicate joint defence planning.
Economists noted that Trump’s diesel‑for‑Russia deal, announced just before the cease‑fire, had already nudged global diesel prices upward, a trend amplified by the renewed Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. Analysts warned that the disruption of a facility accounting for nearly 5 % of Russia’s throughput could tighten global fuel supplies and push prices higher, pressuring European markets already grappling with energy shortages.
Sources
- Donald Trump
- ‘We’re done’: Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries as anger at Trump mounts
- Ukraine hits Russian refinery as Zelenskiy says 'we're done' with Trump's energy truce
Photo: Daniel Torok (Public domain)
