On October 15, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries after a three-day pause in attacks. This decision was made in response to continued assaults by Russia on Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of over 100 civilians in the past week.
Reasons for Resuming Attacks
Zelensky noted that Ukraine had refrained from attacking Russian energy facilities, but the situation changed due to:
- violations of the ceasefire by the Kremlin;
- the absence of American warnings about ballistic missile launches;
- deterioration of the Starlink system, complicating frontline operations.
The president emphasized that the ban on strikes had been lifted, and he is willing to refrain from attacks only in exchange for additional Patriot missiles.
Dissatisfaction with the U.S. and Starlink Issues
Zelensky expressed his outrage over the U.S. decision to withdraw intelligence data, calling it a "dangerous" move. He also pointed out that issues with the Starlink system are not a technical malfunction but a conscious decision that negatively affects military operations.
Reactions to the Situation
The resumption of attacks on Russian oil refineries has elicited mixed reactions in the international community. The Ukrainian president called for support from Western partners, emphasizing that the situation requires urgent measures to protect Ukrainian territory and its population.