Russia Accuses Ukraine of Renewed Attack on Oil Refinery as Energy Ceasefire Collapses

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a fresh drone attack on an oil refinery in Ryazan, approximately 180 kilometres south of Moscow, amid renewed tensions over a proposed energy ceasefire between the two countries.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces attempted a large-scale attack on the refinery, adding that falling drone debris triggered a fire at the facility.

The reported attack came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Kyiv would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, signalling an end to its temporary suspension of attacks on energy infrastructure.

The development followed United States President Donald Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire over the weekend. However, the arrangement was not publicly confirmed by both sides, while Moscow continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities.

Ukraine said it had temporarily suspended strikes on Russian energy targets for several days following Trump’s announcement.

Washington has reportedly pressured Kyiv to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, arguing that a halt in the strikes could help ease rising fuel prices in the United States. The pressure also comes amid a proposed agreement involving the purchase of 1.8 million tonnes of diesel from Russia.

Zelenskyy criticised the proposed arrangement, questioning the political implications of conducting business with Russia while Ukrainians continue to suffer casualties in the ongoing war.

The Ukrainian leader also accused Washington of weakening his country’s position on the battlefield by allegedly reducing access to critical intelligence support. Trump, however, has denied that the United States stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy alleged that restrictions on Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s satellite internet services could leave the country more vulnerable to Russian attacks. Ukrainian forces rely on satellite-based communications technology for military operations.

SpaceX owner Elon Musk responded on social media, saying that the United States military and Trump had the authority to determine the limits and speed of the Starshield service available to clients. Musk also called for Zelenskyy to leave office.

Despite the escalating tensions, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine could consider suspending attacks on Russian energy facilities again if Washington supplied Kyiv with additional Patriot missile interceptors.

The Ukrainian president is also expected to meet European leaders in Brussels to push for tougher sanctions against Moscow and faster delivery of military assistance from the European Union.

The EU has pledged $50 billion in support for Ukraine next year. However, the amount remains significantly below the $175 billion Kyiv estimates it will need for its defence spending during the same period.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has urged European leaders to intensify their efforts to support Ukraine and help it prevail in the war.

The latest developments underscore the growing diplomatic disagreements between Washington and Kyiv as Ukraine continues to depend heavily on Western military assistance, particularly from the United States and Germany.

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