Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a major attack on an oil refinery south of Moscow, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to resume strikes on Russian energy infrastructure after temporarily restricting them at the request of the United States.
The Kremlin said Ukrainian forces attempted a large-scale attack on a refinery in Ryazan early Thursday. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its air defences intercepted four missiles and dozens of drones, adding that falling debris caused a fire at the facility.
The accusation followed Zelensky’s announcement that Ukraine would resume attacks on Russian oil infrastructure after observing a three-day pause. Speaking to the Financial Times, he said Kyiv had suspended the strikes while Russia continued targeting Ukrainian energy facilities. “We’re done,” Zelensky said, indicating that Ukraine would no longer maintain the restriction without reciprocal action from Moscow.
The Ukrainian leader also accused Washington of using intelligence-sharing as leverage to pressure Kyiv into halting its attacks. He told the Financial Times that Ukrainian officials had been warned that continued strikes could result in the United States blocking intelligence. The White House has denied that Washington halted intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Dispute Over Starlink and US Support
Tensions between Kyiv and Washington have also intensified over restrictions affecting satellite communications used by Ukraine’s military. Ukrainian officials reported unexpected limits on the movement of drones using Starlink connections, raising concerns about the impact on reconnaissance, targeting and air defence operations.
Zelensky rejected suggestions that the restrictions resulted from a technical malfunction, telling the Financial Times: “It was not a technical problem, it was the will.” Ukrainian defence officials subsequently said that mobile operations using Starshield, the military-focused version of Starlink, had been restored. However, they were still seeking clarification about the reasons for the restrictions.
A Ukrainian soldier involved in drone reconnaissance described any deliberate interference with the satellite network as a betrayal. Zelensky also criticised a reported agreement between Washington and Moscow involving the release of 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel into international markets. He argued that the arrangement could provide Russia with revenue while its military continued attacking Ukraine.
The agreement comes as the United States faces pressure to reduce fuel prices amid the economic consequences of the Iran war.
