Ukraine has resumed its attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy installations after a two-week pause, with an overnight strike hitting the Novo-Yaroslavl Oil Complex in Yaroslavl Oblast and setting off major blazes.
The renewed assault comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has set aside any chance of meeting US President Donald Trump's demand to stop the strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. The attacks have restricted Russia's ability to fund its war against Ukraine, according to reports.
Pause Broken Amid Energy Ceasefire Claims
Zelensky had imposed a lull in the attacks for about two weeks, even though Russia broke Trump's claimed "energy ceasefire" within hours of the US announcing it. The overnight attack on the Novo-Yaroslavl refinery is one of Russia's largest, and the strike has caused significant damage.
Zelensky has disputed Trump's claim that Ukraine's attacks on Russia's oil industry are helping to boost oil prices in America and globally. He argues that the oil price hike is being directly influenced by Trump's continued actions against Iran and the stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz imposed by Tehran.
Diesel Crisis Claims Disputed
Trump claimed the diesel crisis in the US is a result of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy. However, Zelensky points out that Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries could not significantly impact global prices since Russian exports account for just two percent of diesel exports.
The attacks on Russian energy supplies are a key aspect of Ukraine's defence against Putin's war, providing Kyiv with some breathing space. Without them, even more Ukrainian civilians would be killed, according to reports.
War Crimes and Proposed Alternatives
More than 30 bodies of murdered Ukrainian civilians are being recovered from an aid site at a school in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region, struck by Russia just 24 hours ago. Another 50 people are still missing, making it potentially one of the worst single cases of war crimes in months.
Zelensky had offered three ways to stop the attacks on Russian oil: Russia stops hitting Ukrainian infrastructure, the US enables Elon Musk's Starlink internet coverage over Russia so Ukraine can hit its ballistic missile launchers, or the US ensures Ukraine receives Patriot missiles for defence.
Ukraine's cities are being hit nightly by Russian ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. Zelensky has said: "We are fighting for our lives," and he is considered a target by Putin, although he rarely mentions it.
