Ukraine's Zelenskyy on defying US in attacking Russian oil: 'Our response must be painful'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine is resuming strikes on Russian oil refineries, rejecting U.S. pressure for a ceasefire and accusing Washington of restricting intelligence and Starlink support. The offensive follows reports of drone attacks on major refineries in Ufa, Yanos, Yaroslavl and Samara, with Kyiv stating it has determined retaliatory measures against Russian energy infrastructure.
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- ✓ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine is resuming attacks on Russian oil refineries.
- ✓ Zelenskyy accused the United States of restricting intelligence and Starlink support to Ukraine.
- ✓ Ukrainian drones attacked oil refineries in Ufa, Yanos, Yaroslavl and Samara regions of Russia.
- ✓ Russia launched drone strikes on Kyiv after Zelenskyy-Trump talks.
What changed
Zelenskyy explicitly confirmed Ukraine has resumed oil refinery strikes and rejected Trump's push to halt the campaign, framing it as necessary retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Live updates
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Zelenskyy defies Trump, resumes attacks on Russian oil refineries amid Starlink dispute
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine is resuming strikes on Russian oil refineries, rejecting U.S. pressure for a ceasefire and accusing Washington of restricting intelligence and Starlink support. The offensive follows reports of drone attacks on major refineries in Ufa, Yanos, Yaroslavl and Samara, with Kyiv stating it has determined retaliatory measures against Russian energy infrastructure.
Why it matters
The escalation marks a significant breakdown in Kyiv's coordination with the Trump administration, which had sought to limit Ukraine's targeting of Russian energy assets. Ukraine frames its strikes as proportional retaliation for Moscow's intensified drone attacks on Kyiv's energy infrastructure, while the U.S. has warned such actions could undermine diplomatic efforts. The dispute centers on operational autonomy and access to Western intelligence and communications tools.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine is resuming attacks on Russian oil refineries.
- Zelenskyy accused the United States of restricting intelligence and Starlink support to Ukraine.
- Ukrainian drones attacked oil refineries in Ufa, Yanos, Yaroslavl and Samara regions of Russia.
- Russia launched drone strikes on Kyiv after Zelenskyy-Trump talks.
- Ukraine struck oil refineries deep inside Russia as Moscow launched deadly drone strikes on Kyiv.
What to watch next
- U.S. response to Zelenskyy's defiance and potential sanctions or aid restrictions
- Next wave of drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian energy infrastructure
- Russian countermeasures or retaliation against Ukrainian energy targets
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (20)
- www.wionews.com — Ukraine hits Ufa oil refinery as Russia strikes Kyiv after ...
- www.wionews.com — 'We're done': Zelensky says Trump’s 'energy ceasefire' is ...
- spectrumlocalnews.com — Ukraine ends truce, hits Russian oil refinery - Spectrum News
- WSJ — Exclusive | Ukraine Pauses Strikes on Russian Refineries After Pressure From U.S.
- The Guardian — Ukraine defies Trump to resume attacks on Russian oil
- The Moscow Times — Ukrainian Drones Hit Major Oil Transport Hub in Samara Region
- Українська правда — Drones attack one of Russia's five largest oil refineries, which supplies its defence industry – photos, videos
- Bloomberg.com — Drones Hit Russia’s Yanos Refinery as Ukraine Steps Up Strikes
- Reuters — Ukrainian drones set fire to major Russian oil refinery, local governor says
- Fox News — Ukraine's Zelenskyy on defying US in attacking Russian oil: 'Our response must be painful'
- The Daily Beast — Putin Suffers Fiery Humiliation Deep Inside Russia
- Ukrinform — Zelensky confirms resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries
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