Russia says Ukraine resumes attacks on oil refineries

Russia says Ukraine resumes attacks on oil refineries

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Ukraine has resumed its attacks on Russian refineries, according to Russia's defence ministry. The ministry stated that a large-scale attack on an oil refinery in Ryazan, about 180 kilometres south of Moscow, had occurred, resulting in a fire breaking out after drone debris fell onto the refinery site.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced earlier that strikes on Russian oil refineries would resume, citing a "dangerous" withdrawal of US intelligence. Zelenskyy had accused the US of weakening Ukraine's position on the battlefield by allegedly withdrawing crucial intelligence sharing.

The US had pressured Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian refineries, claiming that a suspension of attacks and a deal to purchase 1.8 million tonnes of diesel from Russia would help reduce soaring fuel prices. However, Ukraine had refrained from attacking Russian refineries since US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday.

Zelenskyy had voiced increasing frustration with Russia's continued attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which had left 600,000 people without power. He warned that Ukraine would not suspend its own attacks indefinitely if Russia did not reciprocate and also criticised what he said was Trump's favouritism toward Russia.

Zelenskyy had also alleged that Ukraine's access to SpaceX's satellite internet service was restricted, potentially leaving it more vulnerable to Russian attacks. The Ukrainian armed forces use SpaceX's military-grade Starshield system for offensive and defensive operations.

In a post on X, SpaceX owner Elon Musk said that only the US military and Trump had the authority to limit Starshield's usage and speed for clients. Musk also called for Zelenskyy to "go" as Ukraine's leader, stating that "the slaughter continues" and that it was "time for Zelensky to go."