Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv is resuming strikes on Russian oil refineries after a brief three-day pause, citing a deadlock over what he termed a dangerous withdrawal of United States support, intelligence-sharing limits, and restrictions on Starlink satellite communications.
More than 100 civilians were killed in the last week, and over 850 attack drones swarmed Ukrainian skies in a single overnight barrage, according to government statements. Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his forces had discarded the temporary pause on energy facility attacks. The decision follows a surprise unilateral announcement by United States President Donald Trump regarding an energy ceasefire, an arrangement that neither Kyiv nor Moscow formally confirmed.
While Kyiv paused its refinery drone campaign for three days to test Washington’s diplomatic initiative, Russian forces continued aerial bombardments across Ukrainian territory. Concurrently, Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted that the military experienced sudden disruptions to satellite internet speeds and a cutoff in early-warning alerts for incoming ballistic missiles.
💥 More than 100 drones were reportedly shot down over Russia’s Rostov region, according to local authorities.Drones reportedly targeted an oil loading terminal operated by the Novoshakhtinsk Oil Products Plant. pic.twitter.com/oRCv8PUbz2
Kyiv Ends the Energy Ceasefire Following Starlink and Intelligence Disruptions
Ukrainian officials voiced alarm after experiencing sudden throttling on battlefield terminals. Elon Musk noted on social media that the military-grade Starshield system is owned and controlled by the US government, adding that speed and usage limits are determined exclusively by the military and the White House. Defense sources in Kyiv confirmed that while mobile Starshield functionality was later restored, the sudden restriction had complicated drone coordination and frontline operations.
The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We’re done.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
The diplomatic friction stems directly from Washington’s efforts to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. The United States pursued a diesel deal with Russia to ease market pressures, putting intense pressure on Kyiv to halt its lucrative drone campaign against Russian refineries. Ukrainian refineries strikes had previously driven Russian refinery output to lows not seen in 30 years, creating localized fuel shortages and long lines at pumps inside Russia, as noted by the International Energy Agency.
Rostov Oil Terminal Blazes as Novoshakhtinsk Facility Absorbs Heavy Drone Strikes
Even as diplomatic tensions escalated, the physical toll on energy infrastructure mounted on both sides of the border. In Russia’s southern Rostov region, a massive fire continued to burn at a key fuel-export terminal. Drones struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery’s terminal in Rostov-on-Don, spreading flames to eight of its 12 massive storage tanks. Independent monitoring outlets and satellite imagery showed the facility, which handles 3.5 million metric tons of petroleum products annually, spewing thick black smoke for days.
Regional authorities reported intercepting vast numbers of drones over southern Russia, while Moscow’s defense ministry separately claimed that Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale attack on an oil refinery in Ryazan, where falling debris triggered a localized fire. The Russian military also reported striking port infrastructure in Izmail and intercepting cargo vessels in the Black Sea region.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham Pledges Surface-to-Air Missiles During London Meetings
The Ukrainian president traveled to London for high-level talks. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed him at 10 Downing Street with an honor guard of Irish Guards, offering political support and concrete military hardware. Burnham announced a package of surface-to-air missiles designed to target jet-powered Russian drones.
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