Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that Ukraine ended a brief pause and has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries this week.
- Kyiv says Moscow continued to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the pause and that Ukrainian forces lost U.S. early‑warning alerts while Starlink/Starshield connections were slowed.
- The pause followed President Trump’s public announcement of an 'energy ceasefire' and U.S. steps to allow some Russian diesel exports, moves aimed at lowering fuel prices but that have raised concern about boosting Russian revenue.
- Zelenskyy warned he will only agree to stop strikes again if Russia provides verifiable reciprocal limits on attacks and if the U.S. supplies additional Patriot interceptors.
- The episode has strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, risks greater civilian energy harm and could affect fuel markets and sanction enforcement if verification and technical controls are not resolved.