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Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting an oil refinery near Moscow, intensifying tensions as President Volodymyr Zelensky signals an end to a temporary pause in attacks on Russian energy facilities.
The dispute follows a proposed energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, which Zelensky said Ukraine had observed for three days despite continued Russian strikes on its power infrastructure.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Zelensky indicated that Kyiv would no longer maintain the pause, saying the arrangement had failed to deliver the expected restraint from Moscow.
Russia Reports Fire at Ryazan Refinery
Russian authorities said Ukrainian forces launched a major attack on a refinery in Ryazan, south of Moscow, early Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its forces intercepted four missiles and dozens of drones, while falling debris reportedly triggered a fire at the facility.
President Vladimir Putin also accused Ukraine of attempting to strike refineries on Wednesday, although Kyiv denied the allegation. Putin said the earlier incident had not caused significant damage.
Zelensky, meanwhile, accused Russia of continuing widespread attacks against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity.
He said Ukraine had agreed to respect the proposed energy truce on the condition that Russia also stopped targeting energy facilities. However, Moscow never publicly confirmed its acceptance of the arrangement.
Dispute Over US Intelligence and Satellite Support
The Ukrainian president has also accused Washington of using intelligence-sharing restrictions to pressure Kyiv into ending attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
Zelensky told the Financial Times that American officials had warned Ukraine that intelligence support could be blocked if the strikes continued.
However, US President Donald Trump has denied stopping intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
The dispute has raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, as its military depends on American intelligence to detect incoming Russian attacks and strengthen air defence operations.
Ukrainian defence sources later told the BBC that some Starlink satellite functions had resumed. They said the ability to operate while moving, associated with the Starshield military service, had been restored, although the full extent of the restrictions remained unclear.
Officials were still investigating the reasons behind the changes, according to the sources.
European Leaders Rally Behind Kyiv
European officials have expressed concern over any reduction in American military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the BBC that restricting intelligence-sharing would be a serious mistake because it could weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
Crosetto argued that Moscow would have less incentive to pursue peace if it believed Ukrainian forces were losing their ability to resist Russian advances.
Zelensky also met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as European leaders gathered in Brussels for a two-day summit. Their discussions included the proposed energy ceasefire and continued support for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president has maintained that any peace agreement must protect his country’s interests and prevent further Russian advances.
Zelensky Seeks Additional Air Defence Missiles
Zelensky has linked any renewed pause in attacks on Russian oil infrastructure to additional military assistance, particularly more American-made Patriot air defence missiles.
Ukraine has faced shortages of these systems, with international military stockpiles reportedly under pressure following the outbreak of the Iran war.
The Ukrainian leader also criticised a reported agreement involving Russia and the United States to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel into the US and global markets.
He argued that such arrangements risk providing economic benefits to Russia while its military campaign against Ukraine continues.
The dispute comes amid strained relations between Zelensky and Trump, whose previous White House meeting exposed significant disagreements over the path towards ending the war.
Deadly Attacks Continue Across Ukraine
Ukrainian officials reported that at least 13 people were killed in Russian attacks on Wednesday, with more than 850 drones allegedly launched against cities and communities.
The central Kirovohrad region reportedly experienced its largest attack since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Regional officials said nearly 360 drones were deployed during a 10-hour barrage, while deaths were also reported in Donetsk, Kherson and Volyn.
Separately, naval officials reported that seven people were missing after a drone attack set a chemical tanker ablaze off Romania.
Moscow also said it had struck two cargo vessels carrying military supplies towards Ukraine’s port of Odesa, without identifying the ships.
The latest incidents underscore the continuing risks to regional security as Kyiv and Moscow exchange accusations while disagreements over Western support complicate diplomatic efforts.
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