Ukraine: Kyiv Pauses Oil Strikes Under Pressure From Trump as Aid Mission Nears Oleshky

Refinery campaign put on hold

Ukrainian military units conducting long-range strikes were reportedly told in mid-October to stop refinery operations after missions already underway were finished. The Wall Street Journal reported the pause, citing people familiar with the operations.

The unofficial suspension is expected to continue until after the US midterms and may last further into November. Meanwhile, Russia has increased attacks on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure.

Trump has blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy sites for record-high diesel prices, contributing to a sharp deterioration in his relationship with Zelensky. Ukraine had argued that its drone campaign was its only viable answer to years of Russian bombardment.

Strikes deepen political tensions

The pause comes as efforts resume to advance US-backed talks aimed at ending the war. The conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Trump announced a deal to purchase diesel from Moscow and waived sanctions on Russia that had been authorized by a bill he signed in September. The reporting links his frustration over Ukrainian strikes to those actions.

Oleshky aid convoy prepared

Russia and Ukraine said on Thursday that mine-clearing along routes around Russian-held Oleshky was complete and a humanitarian convoy was ready. The town is in southern Ukraine, where residents have endured acute shortages since Russian forces took control soon after the invasion began.

The convoy is expected to go to the district hospital, deliver aid packages and allow residents who wish to leave to do so within a designated period. Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said deliveries were due to start Friday.