Russia Accuses Ukraine of Refinery Attack

Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting an oil refinery near Moscow after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv would resume strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, following a temporary pause requested by the United States.

Russia Reports Refinery Fire

The Kremlin said Ukraine attempted a large-scale attack on a refinery in Ryazan, south of Moscow, early Thursday. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed four missiles and dozens of drones were intercepted, with falling debris triggering a fire at the facility.

Zelensky Accuses US of Withholding Support

Zelensky told the Financial Times that Ukraine had suspended attacks for three days at Washington’s request, while Russian forces continued striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He alleged that US officials threatened to restrict intelligence-sharing unless Kyiv stopped its attacks on Russian targets. US President Donald Trump has denied halting intelligence-sharing.

Dispute Over Starlink Restrictions

Ukraine also accused the US of deliberately restricting Starlink satellite services used by its military. The restrictions reportedly affected drone operations, raising concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace. Elon Musk appeared to suggest the restrictions were linked to the Trump administration rather than a technical fault.

Ukrainian defence officials later said the mobile operation of Starshield, the military-focused version of Starlink, had been restored. However, they were still investigating the reasons behind the restrictions.

Ukraine Reports Deadly Russian Attacks

Zelensky said Russian forces launched more than 850 drones against dozens of Ukrainian cities and communities over the previous day. Local officials reported at least 13 deaths, including three people killed in the central Kirovohrad region during what authorities described as its largest attack since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Deaths were also reported in Donetsk, Kherson and Volyn, as Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of escalating its attacks despite calls for an energy ceasefire.

UK Promises Additional Military Support

During a visit to London, Zelensky met British officials as the UK announced plans to accelerate the delivery of lightweight multirole missiles to Ukraine. European leaders were also expected to discuss the growing tensions at a summit in Brussels.

Zelensky said Ukraine would now consider halting attacks on Russian oil infrastructure only if the US supplied additional Patriot air defence missiles. He argued that strikes on Russian energy facilities were necessary to reduce Moscow’s revenue for its war effort.

Tensions Between Washington and Kyiv Deepen

Zelensky also criticised a US-Russia agreement to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel into the US and global markets, arguing that the arrangement could help finance Russia’s war. The deal comes as the Iran war has driven up fuel prices and increased pressure on the Trump administration.

The Ukrainian president said repairing relations with Washington was not solely his responsibility, insisting that Kyiv had not destroyed the relationship. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies in Europe have rallied behind him as concerns grow over the future of US military and intelligence support.