‘We’re Done’: Zelensky Says Ukraine Will Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries after Washington pressured Ukraine to halt attacks, warning that the US has endangered Ukrainian lives by restricting access to intelligence and Starlink satellite communications.

“The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done,” Zelensky told the Financial Times in an interview in London.

Zelensky said Ukrainian military officials had been warned by their US counterparts that Washington would restrict intelligence sharing if Kyiv continued striking Russian energy facilities.

The comments mark a further deterioration in relations between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who has pushed Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as Washington seeks to lower fuel prices.

Last week, Trump announced an agreement for Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets, drawing criticism from US lawmakers and European allies.

Zelensky described the deal as a “simple victory” for the Kremlin in an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan on Wednesday.

“It’s a pity that we are losing a strong partner,” Zelensky said.

He also accused Trump of taking Russia’s side in the war, arguing that Washington should remain neutral rather than favor Moscow.

“This is our country, our body, our home, our children,” Zelensky said. “That’s why it’s painful when Trump chooses one side.”

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“If you’re in the middle, you have to stay in the middle. Not on the wrong side,” he added. “This is not the right side of history.”

Starlink restrictions raise alarm in Kyiv

The dispute escalated after Ukraine reported restrictions on military Starlink services, which Ukrainian forces rely on for battlefield communications and drone operations.

Zelensky warned that the restrictions could lead to significant casualties as Russia intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.

“It’s a big mistake,” he said. “This decision will bring a lot of human losses… People will die.”

He urged Elon Musk, whose SpaceX operates Starlink, to restore the service, saying he hoped the disruption was the result of a technical problem.

Musk said on Wednesday that Starshield, the military-grade satellite system, is owned and controlled by the US government, which determines restrictions on its use.

He added that Starlink is a commercial service intended for civilian and defensive purposes and should not be used for offensive military operations.

The reported Starlink restrictions came amid concerns that a reduction in US intelligence sharing could weaken Ukraine’s ability to detect incoming Russian missile attacks and protect its cities.

Ukrainian officials told CNN that the loss of intelligence could give Russian forces an advantage on the battlefield, while a European official questioned Washington’s explanation that weather had caused gaps in missile-warning information.

For two consecutive nights, the air raid warnings that normally give Kyiv residents precious time to seek shelter came only after Russian ballistic missiles were already approaching or striking the Ukrainian capital.

On Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 12-13, Russia launched successive ballistic missile attacks, striking civilian infrastructure and a major power plant. Ukraine received no advance warning of the launches from Western partners, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The Trump administration has previously warned that it could suspend intelligence sharing and halt European purchases of US weapons for Ukraine if Kyiv refused to stop deep strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

The dispute comes as Russian forces continue attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. Zelensky said Russian strikes had left more than 600,000 people without electricity.

Moscow has also intensified aerial attacks as battlefield advances remain limited, with both sides targeting energy infrastructure.

Zelensky has sought to strengthen European support amid uncertainty over Washington’s commitment. During his visit to London on Wednesday, he met British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and King Charles III.