KYIV | October 15, 2026 | Ukraine has resumed drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, striking a facility in the Ryazan region after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared an end to a proposed energy truce, further straining Kyiv’s relationship with Washington as disagreements over military support and energy policy intensify.
Russia’s Defense Ministry and Ryazan regional Governor Pavel Malkov reported that a Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at the refinery, located about 300 kilometers southeast of Moscow. A senior Ukrainian official confirmed the strike, according to international reporting. The extent of the damage and its impact on refinery operations were not immediately established.
The renewed attack followed continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a proposed halt to attacks on energy facilities. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had been willing to observe the truce but accused Russia of continuing attacks on power plants, gas facilities and other infrastructure. In a statement published on October 12, the Ukrainian president called on the United States and European countries to increase pressure on Moscow to secure a genuine ceasefire.
Zelenskyy’s decision to resume refinery strikes also reflects growing friction with Washington over its approach to the war. The Ukrainian leader has expressed concern over restrictions affecting satellite communications and reported gaps in intelligence support, both important to Ukraine’s air defenses and military operations. He has also criticized US moves involving Russian fuel supplies, arguing that easing economic pressure on Moscow could help finance its continued invasion.
The dispute comes as Ukraine seeks stronger backing from European allies. Zelenskyy held talks with British leaders in London on October 14 and was expected to meet European Union leaders as Kyiv sought continued military and diplomatic support. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s official Security Service has described long-range attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as part of a campaign to reduce Moscow’s oil revenues and disrupt the logistics supporting its war effort. In an October 2 statement, the agency reported strikes against oil facilities in the Samara and Volgograd regions.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Since then, Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones against Russian refineries, fuel depots and other energy facilities, seeking to disrupt fuel production and reduce revenue that helps sustain Russia’s military campaign. Moscow has also repeatedly targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing damage and disrupting electricity and heating supplies.
The latest refinery strike highlights the difficulty of securing an energy ceasefire while the wider war continues. With both sides accusing the other of violating proposed restraints, prospects for a sustained halt to attacks remain uncertain.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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