Ukraine is preparing to resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said, in a sharp escalation of tensions with Moscow and Washington. The warning comes as Kyiv accuses the United States of restricting intelligence support and reducing Starlink connectivity during a period of intense Russian attacks.
Ukraine refinery strikes could resume
Speaking in London, Zelenskiy said a previous restriction on Ukrainian attacks against Russian energy facilities was no longer in place. He said Kyiv had paused energy strikes for several days in response to US requests, while Russian forces continued targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian areas.
The Ukrainian president argued that maintaining a one-sided pause would leave his country at a serious disadvantage. He also warned that commercial negotiations between Washington and Moscow could create further funding for Russia’s war effort, particularly if future agreements involve oil or gas.
Reports shortly after Zelenskiy’s remarks indicated that a fire had broken out at an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region following a reported Ukrainian drone attack. A Ukrainian official said the facility had been targeted in retaliation for Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The damage was still being assessed, and the refinery’s owner had not immediately commented.
Dispute over US intelligence and Starlink
Zelenskiy described the alleged withdrawal of US early-warning intelligence as dangerous, saying Ukrainian officials had been left without important alerts about incoming ballistic missiles. Kyiv also reported a slowdown affecting Starlink satellite communications, a system widely used to support battlefield communications and military operations.
The Ukrainian leader said the loss of intelligence had initially been linked by US counterparts to Kyiv’s continued attacks on Russian energy targets, although the issue was later described as a technical problem. Zelenskiy rejected that explanation and said the interruption reflected a political decision.
US President Donald Trump has denied that Washington ended intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Elon Musk, whose companies are associated with Starlink technology, said military-grade Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. He added that decisions about speed or usage ultimately rest with the US military and the president.
Why air defence remains central
Zelenskiy said Ukraine could consider limiting energy strikes if it received additional US-made Patriot interceptors. He described stronger air defence as the minimum necessary condition for any renewed restraint, particularly while Russian attacks continue against cities, infrastructure and gas production facilities.
- Ukraine says Russian strikes have continued despite its temporary pause.
- Kyiv is seeking more protection against ballistic missiles and drones.
- Any communications disruption could affect frontline coordination.
- Energy infrastructure remains a major target in the wider conflict.
Growing tension between Kyiv and Washington
The dispute marks a serious deterioration in relations between Ukraine and its most important security partner. Zelenskiy said cooperation with the United States remained essential, but insisted that Kyiv had not caused the breakdown in relations.
He also criticised Washington’s apparent interest in restoring business ties with Moscow and questioned the political consequences of making commercial agreements while Ukrainians are still fighting and dying. In his view, divisions between the US, Europe and Ukraine could encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin by reducing pressure on Moscow.
Zelenskiy nevertheless acknowledged that fighting without American support would be extremely difficult. He called for stronger unity among European countries, while warning that elections over the coming year could create additional uncertainty if parties sympathetic to Russia gain influence.
Ukraine seeks stronger European backing
The Ukrainian president’s comments came after meetings in Britain with senior political and defence figures. He was due to address EU leaders in Brussels, where he planned to press for tougher sanctions against Russia and a faster release of European financial assistance.
He also argued that European defence industries could benefit from lessons learned on the Ukrainian battlefield, particularly in areas such as drone warfare and military technology. However, he warned that Europe would remain vulnerable if its partners were divided.
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What happens next?
The immediate concern is whether renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries will trigger a broader escalation or further pressure from Washington. At the same time, Ukraine is seeking practical guarantees: air-defence missiles, reliable intelligence and secure communications.
The refinery issue is therefore part of a much larger dispute over military support, energy markets and the future shape of international relations. Unless Kyiv and its partners can agree on a coordinated strategy, the conflict risks becoming even more unpredictable.
Key takeaway
Ukraine’s decision to resume refinery strikes reflects growing frustration over what Kyiv sees as an unequal pause in attacks. The dispute over US intelligence and Starlink has added urgency to Zelenskiy’s appeal for stronger Western unity, air-defence support and continued pressure on Russia.
Image Courtesy: The Irish Times
