Zelensky says Ukraine will resume drone attacks on Russian oil refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Financial Times on 15 October 2026 that Ukraine will resume drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, ending a three‑day pause ordered at the request of the Trump administration.

The decision could tighten an already strained global diesel market as winter approaches and signals a marked deterioration in Kyiv’s relationship with Washington.

Zelensky said the block on attacking refineries is lifted and linked the change to what he described as a “dangerous” cutoff of U.S. intelligence sharing and a degradation of Starlink service.

President Trump has denied cutting off intelligence, while Elon Musk noted that the U.S. government controls speed and usage limits on the military satellite network built on Starlink technology, known as Starshield. Zelensky’s office said those speed restrictions were lifted.

The pause lasted three days after Trump asked Kyiv to stop energy strikes; previous requests had been repeatedly rebuffed, and Ukraine had ramped up attacks ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

The rift has become public, with Trump recently saying it was “time to get a new leader,” a sentiment echoed by Musk on X. Zelensky has said he feels “betrayed” by the former president.

The resumption arrives as the International Energy Agency warned the gasoil market will remain tight well into 2027, and U.S. diesel prices have risen to an average of $6.50 per gallon. Analysts have linked Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries to the broader refining crisis that also includes disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia’s defence ministry responded, saying Ukraine attempted a massive attack on the Ryazan oil refinery. Ukrainian officials also accused Russia of violating a cease‑fire by attacking Ukraine’s power grid during the pause.

Earlier, Ukrainian military officials claimed SpaceX‑operated Starlink terminals had been interrupted, hindering drone guidance; functionality was restored by Thursday.

With winter fast approaching, both sides appear poised for an escalation that could further strain global fuel supplies, and Kyiv says it will continue to target Russian refining capacity as long as intelligence and communications support remain viable.