The short version
- Kyiv has ended a three-day suspension of strikes on Russian oil facilities, citing continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and a lack of reciprocal restraint from Moscow.
- President Zelensky alleges that the United States deliberately slowed Starlink satellite services and withheld early-warning intelligence to coerce Ukraine into halting its offensive operations entirely.
- Tensions have escalated following a US-Russia agreement to release diesel reserves, which Kyiv views as undermining its war effort while American domestic fuel prices remain high due to regional conflicts.
Ukraine has officially resumed military strikes against Russian oil refineries, marking a significant shift in tactical posture after a brief three-day pause. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that the temporary halt was implemented at the request of Washington but is no longer sustainable. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Russia continued to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the suspension, leaving hundreds of thousands of citizens without power and demonstrating a lack of good faith in any proposed de-escalation measures.
The resumption of strikes follows intense diplomatic friction between Kyiv and Washington. Zelensky accused the United States of withdrawing critical support mechanisms, specifically citing the withholding of intelligence regarding incoming Russian aerial attacks. Ukrainian defense forces rely heavily on these early-warning alerts to coordinate air defenses and limit the success of enemy strikes. According to Zelensky, US counterparts explicitly warned that intelligence sharing would be blocked if Ukraine did not cease its operations against Russian energy assets.
Compounding the dispute are allegations regarding the degradation of Starlink satellite services used extensively by the Ukrainian military for drone guidance and frontline communications. Zelensky described the slowdown in service speed as deliberate rather than technical, asserting it was a political decision aimed at pressuring Kyiv. Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, echoed this sentiment on social media, denying that the restrictions were due to technical faults. Instead, he indicated that the systems are controlled by the US government and that any usage limits are determined by the military and the Trump administration.
The White House has not provided a detailed public explanation for the service disruptions or the intelligence withholding. While some initial reports suggested technical issues might be responsible, both Zelensky and Musk have pointed to political motivations. The Trump administration has denied halting intelligence sharing, creating a contradictory narrative around the extent of US support. This ambiguity has left Ukrainian officials feeling betrayed, particularly as they navigate a complex security environment where reliable communication and warning systems are vital for survival.
Underlying these immediate operational disputes is a broader geopolitical disagreement regarding energy markets and peace negotiations. Last week, the United States reached an agreement with Russia to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel into the global market. This move was part of President Trump’s strategy to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of midterm elections, as soaring costs have negatively impacted his public standing. Zelensky criticized this deal as effectively investing in Russia’s war machine, arguing that it undermines Ukraine’s efforts to cut off revenue streams funding Moscow’s military campaigns.
Zelensky expressed skepticism about future US commitments, questioning whether similar deals involving natural gas might follow the diesel agreement. He noted that the Kremlin never formally agreed to the proposed energy ceasefire announced by Trump, despite Kyiv’s willingness to participate under reciprocal conditions. The Ukrainian president stated that he would only consider halting strikes on Russian oil infrastructure again if the United States supplied additional Patriot air defense missiles, highlighting a shortage of these systems exacerbated by stockpile depletion during the Iran war.
The relationship between Zelensky and Trump has grown increasingly strained since Trump returned to the White House. Previous interactions have been marked by tension, including a fiery meeting in the Oval Office where Trump suggested Zelensky was obstructing peace efforts. Zelensky has attempted to maintain a careful diplomatic balance, showing openness to US-brokered deals while insisting that any peace terms must be just and secure for Ukraine. However, recent events have led him to adopt a more defiant tone, asserting that the deterioration of relations is not solely Kyiv’s responsibility.
Looking ahead, the immediate impact of resumed strikes on Russian refineries remains uncertain, as does the long-term trajectory of US-Ukrainian military cooperation. The dispute over Starlink and intelligence sharing raises serious questions about the reliability of American support in future conflicts. As Russia continues its offensive operations and the US focuses on domestic economic pressures, Ukraine finds itself navigating a precarious path between maintaining defensive capabilities and managing diplomatic expectations from its key ally.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Ukraine to restart strikes on Russian oil refineries, Zelensky says
