Zelensky says strikes on Russian refineries have resumed after pause requested by the US

The key facts

Zelensky: the three-day pause in strikes on refineries is over, as Russia kept hitting Ukraine's energy grid
The Kremlin reported intercepting four missiles and dozens of drones near the Ryazan refinery; a fire from falling debris
Ukrainian sources to the BBC: some Starshield functions restored, the reasons for the restrictions are being clarified

Resumption of strikes and the attack on Ryazan

Russia said Ukraine attacked an oil refinery in Ryazan, south of Moscow, on Thursday morning. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, four missiles and dozens of drones were intercepted, and falling debris caused a fire at the facility. Vladimir Putin earlier said Kyiv had also tried to attack the refinery on Wednesday — Ukraine denied this, and the Kremlin said there was no 'serious damage'. Zelensky told the Financial Times that he had restricted strikes on oil infrastructure for three days at the US request, but that Russia had continued hitting Ukraine's energy system during that time: 'We are done.' He had previously said he agreed with the 'energy truce' announced by Donald Trump on Sunday only if Moscow also observed it; the Kremlin never confirmed joining the arrangement.

Accusations against the US and Starlink

Zelensky accused the US of withdrawing intelligence sharing as a way of pressuring Kyiv: he said American partners warned directly — 'if you don't stop the strikes, we will block the intelligence.' On Tuesday evening, Starlink service restrictions appeared in Ukraine; it was assumed to be a technical glitch, but Elon Musk, according to reports, denied this and hinted at a decision by the Trump administration. 'It was not a technical problem, it was a will,' Zelensky told the FT. Trump denied stopping intelligence sharing. Later, Ukrainian defence sources told the BBC that the 'on-the-move' function of the military Starshield service (supplied under a contract with the US Department of Defense) had been partially restored, though it remains unclear whether restrictions on drone flight speed while maintaining connectivity have been fully lifted. The causes and circumstances of the changes, according to the sources, are still being clarified.

Allies' positions and talks in London

European leaders backed Zelensky. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called the restriction of intelligence 'a complete mistake,' noting that it deprives a country of the ability to defend itself, and warned that seeing Ukraine's weakness, Putin will continue the war. In Brussels, a two-day summit of European leaders began, where Zelensky met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte; the energy truce and continued support were discussed. On Wednesday in London, Zelensky met with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who announced an acceleration of deliveries of light multi-role missiles to Ukraine. Zelensky told the FT that he will now only stop strikes on Russian oil infrastructure if the US supplies additional Patriot missiles — they have been in short supply since the start of the Iran war, which depleted stocks.

Escalation of attacks and criticism of the diesel deal

According to local authorities, at least 13 people were killed on Wednesday in a large-scale Russian attack which, Zelensky said, involved more than 850 drones against dozens of cities. In Kirovohrad region, which endured its largest attack since 2022, nearly 360 drones were launched over 10 hours, killing at least three people; there were also casualties in Donetsk, Kherson and Volyn regions. Zelensky said Russia 'deliberately escalated attacks, taking advantage of the weakening of sanctions and attempts to pressure Ukraine.' He also criticised the Russia-US arrangement to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel onto the American and global market, calling it effectively a US investment in Russia's war effort; according to him, this is part of Trump's efforts to lower fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections after prices rose because of the Iran war. 'The question will be: when is the next deal? Maybe it will be gas. It will definitely be gas,' he told the FT.

Incident off the coast of Romania

Separately, it was reported that a chemical tanker caught fire off the coast of Romania after a drone attack; according to maritime authorities, seven people are missing (another publication said eight crew members). Moscow said it hit two cargo ships carrying military cargo en route to the port of Odesa, without naming them.