‘We’re Done’: Zelenskyy Ends Energy Ceasefire, Ukraine to Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lifted the pause on attacks against Russian oil refineries, saying Kyiv will resume strikes on Russian energy infrastructure after accusing Moscow of continuing attacks on Ukraine's power facilities despite a US-announced energy ceasefire. Zelenskyy also accused Washington of restricting intelligence-sharing and satellite connectivity amid escalating Russian assaults.

In an interview with the Financial Times on October 15, Zelenskyy said the restrictions on Ukrainian attacks against Russian refineries had been removed. “The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We're done,” he said. The decision marks a renewed focus on Russian energy infrastructure, which Ukraine has targeted to disrupt revenues that help finance Moscow's war effort. It also highlights the growing uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump's proposal for both countries to stop attacking energy facilities. Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Despite ‘Energy Ceasefire’; Zelenskyy Says Moscow Ignores Donald Trump’s Statements.

Trump’s Energy Ceasefire Faces Setback

On October 11, Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, stating that both sides had agreed to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. However, the announcement did not establish publicly detailed terms for implementing the arrangement, and Ukrainian officials subsequently reported continued Russian strikes.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had refrained from attacking Russian energy facilities for three days at Washington's request. Kyiv's pause, however, did not result in a halt to Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, according to the Ukrainian president. The Kremlin also said the scope of the proposed ceasefire had not been clearly defined, while Russian attacks on Ukrainian power facilities continued.

Russian Strikes Leave 600,000 Ukrainians Without Power

The breakdown in the proposed truce followed a major Russian attack on Ukraine's energy and critical infrastructure. Zelenskyy said Russian forces launched 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 attack drones against targets in Kyiv, the surrounding Kyiv region and Kharkiv overnight on October 13–14. According to the Ukrainian president, the strikes damaged equipment at 26 power-system facilities and four oil and gas sector facilities, leaving around 600,000 people without electricity. Trump-Putin Diesel Deal: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Slams US Move as Washington Eases Russian Fuel Sanctions Until April 2027.

Zelenskyy also reported another large wave of Russian drone attacks on October 15. He said more than 850 Shahed drones had been launched between midnight and 9 am, with six people killed across the country. These figures were based on his statements and were not independently verified in the cited reports.

Zelenskyy Accuses US of Restricting Intelligence and Starlink

Zelenskyy's announcement came amid tensions with Washington over its support for Ukraine. He alleged that Ukrainian officials had been warned that intelligence-sharing could be suspended if Kyiv continued attacking Russian refineries. He also questioned whether disruptions to Starlink satellite connectivity were accidental, arguing that the restrictions affected Ukraine's ability to conduct military operations. Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is used by Ukrainian forces for communications and coordination.

Musk said decisions concerning Starshield, a separate satellite system used for government and military purposes, rested with the US government. The allegations have added to concerns in Kyiv about the reliability of American support as the war continues.

Ukraine Continues Targeting Russian Oil Infrastructure

Ukraine has increasingly attacked Russian oil refineries as part of its efforts to disrupt Moscow's energy revenues and constrain its ability to finance the war. The renewed strikes come as Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy system ahead of winter, when damage to electricity and heating infrastructure could have wider consequences for civilians.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has defended Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries, arguing that oil revenues help fund Russia's military campaign. She has also urged Western countries to increase pressure on Moscow. With Kyiv now lifting its pause on refinery attacks, the prospects for a sustained halt to strikes on energy infrastructure remain uncertain. The latest developments underline the difficulty of implementing a ceasefire without clear terms and reciprocal compliance by both sides.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2026 04:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).