Ukraine reportedly pauses strikes on Russian refineries after pressure from Trump
USO•Ukraine has reportedly paused strikes on Russian oil refineries after pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. The unofficial pause is expected to last until after the U.S. midterm elections and potentially deeper into November.
1. Strikes put on hold
Ukraine's military has paused strikes on Russian oil refineries after pressure from Trump, a report citing people familiar with the operations said. Ukrainian units conducting long-range strikes were told in mid-October to halt the campaign after missions already underway were completed.
2. Pause may extend into November
The unofficial pause is expected to last until after the U.S. midterm elections and potentially deeper into November. Russia has meanwhile stepped up attacks on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure. The report could not immediately be verified.
3. Tensions over energy strikes
The pause comes as efforts to revive U.S.-backed peace talks continue. Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as diesel prices hit record highs; Ukraine had said its long-range drone campaign was its only viable response to years of Russian bombardment.
