In brief
President Volodymyr Zelensky declared Ukraine will lift a temporary pause on raids against Russian oil refineries, blaming Washington for withdrawing key assistance. He condemned a U.S. deal that supplied diesel to the market and criticised US restrictions on Starlink satellite internet. Russia denies the alleged large‑scale attack on a refinery south of Moscow. Ukrainian officials say a halt to strikes will only come if the US delivers more Patriot air‑defence systems. NATO members are preparing to support Kyiv’s air defence needs as the conflict intensifies.
Zelensky says Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, blaming the US for backing away from key support. He claims Washington told Kyiv to pause attacks for three days, while Russia has kept hitting Ukrainian infrastructure. The president dismissed any “energy ceasefire” talk and declared that ongoing strikes would stop only if the US supplies more Patriot air‑defence missiles.
In a London visit, Zelensky criticised US President Trump for a deal that sent 300,000 tonnes of diesel to global markets, describing it as an indirect funding of Russia’s war machine. He also accused the US of imposing restrictions on Starlink services, saying the limits were deliberate. While Starlink’s military version, Starshield, was reportedly restored, Ukrainian officials say the speed limits appeared abruptly.
Russian officials countered by claiming Kyiv had staged a large‑scale missile and drone attack near a refinery south of Moscow, which they said caused a fire in the Ryazan plant. They noted several missiles and drones were intercepted. Meanwhile, Ukrainian cities continue to face assaults, leaving hundreds of thousands without power.
With NATO members poised to support Ukrainian air defences, Zelensky asserts that the only way to guarantee Ukraine’s security is for the US to deliver additional Patriot batteries. However, he expressed doubt that the U.S. will improve relations during the current administration, citing missed promises and the political fallout of the Iran war.
