Ukraine has informally suspended attacks on Russian oil refineries amid mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump and growing uncertainty over Washington’s continued support for Kiev, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
The unofficial pause reportedly began early last week and is expected to last until after the US midterm elections, potentially extending further into November.
Ukraine has not officially announced a halt to the attacks.
Two military officials familiar with the matter told the newspaper that Ukrainian units conducting long-range strikes were informed in mid-October that attacks on Russian refineries would be suspended once ongoing operations had been completed.
Zelenskyy agrees to pause strikes
Defence Minister Evgeniy Khmara advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that suspending refinery strikes would be prudent given the sensitive diplomatic situation, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Zelenskyy agreed, while emphasising that the military remained free to resume the attacks if it deemed necessary, the source said.
Trump’s pressure and diesel deal with Putin
Trump expressed concern in September over rising fuel prices during a phone discussion with Zelenskyy, urging Kiev to cease strikes against Russian oil refineries.
In early October, Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a deal to supply Russian diesel to the United States, to the surprise of many US allies.
Kremlin later announced the first tanker carrying Russian diesel under the deal had departed for buyers, with further shipments expected to follow regularly.
On October 18, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Saint Petersburg, setting oil facilities ablaze.
Later on October 21, Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reach a negotiated peace agreement with Russia. "We want Zelenskyy to make a deal. He can make a deal. He could have made a deal two years ago when we had our little chat in the Oval Office," he said.
