In brief
Russia has charged Ukraine with striking a key oil refinery after President Zelensky declared that attacks would resume following a three‑day pause. Zelensky said U.S. intelligence sharing had been cut to pressure Kyiv, prompting a partial lift of Starlink restrictions. Meanwhile, Moscow reported intercepting dozens of drones and missiles that sparked a fire at a Ryazan refinery. The backdrop of ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure contrasts with diplomatic tensions over U.S. military aid and energy agreements.
Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking a vital oil refinery in the Ryazan region on Thursday, a claim that comes just after President Volodymyr Zelensky said attacks would resume following a three‑day pause at the behest of the United States.
Zelensky, speaking to the Financial Times, warned that Kyiv had temporarily halted strikes while Russian forces continued targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and that the ceasefire would end as soon as U.S. intelligence sharing was restored.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denied any Ukrainian attacks on refineries, asserting that Ukraine had attempted a large‑scale strike but caused no significant damage. Meanwhile, Ukrainian defence sources said that portions of the Starlink satellite network – vital for drone guidance and air‑defence alerts – had returned to service after a brief restriction.
In related reports, seven people remain missing after a drone strike set a chemical tanker ablaze off the coast of Romania, and Moscow claimed it had struck two cargo ships bound for Kyiv’s Odesa port, though it did not name the vessels.
The Kremlin said it had intercepted four missiles and dozens of drones that fell and ignited debris at the refinery, which sparked a blaze surrounded by Russian‑controlled airspace.
Zelensky also criticised the United States for curtailing support, arguing that Ukraine faced a shortage of Patriot air‑defence missiles and hinted that a renewed supply could force a pause in Russian attacks.
Ukraine’s president said a deal between Russia and the United States to release diesel to global markets would effectively fund Moscow’s war machine, while he called for more balanced support from Western allies.
As Ukraine reports daily casualties, with nearly 850 drones launched in a single day, the Kremlin insists it has upheld a proposed energy ceasefire, though no agreement has materialised.
