# Ukraine Defies Trump on Energy Strikes

> Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries after Trump demands cease-fire.
- Title: Ukraine Defies Trump on Energy Strikes · Foreign Policy
- Summary: Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries after Trump demands cease-fire. Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries following U.S. President…
- Keywords: ukraine, russia, trump, zelensky, starlink, oil refineries, energy cease-fire, Defies, Energy, Strikes, Foreign Policy
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/15/ukraine-strikes-russia-oil-refineries-zelensky-trump-starlink-energy-cease-fire
- Author: Alexandra Sharp
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ukraine, russia, trump, zelensky, starlink, oil refineries, energy cease-fire
## Ukraine Resumes Strikes
Ukrainian forces resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries on Thursday after White House urged Kyiv not to target Moscow’s energy infrastructure.

> The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done.
## Trump's Energy Cease-Fire Demand
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries to lower fuel prices ahead of U.S. midterm elections.
## Temporary Truce
Ukraine agreed to a three-day energy truce with Russia after Trump unilaterally declared an energy truce and called for Zelensky’s removal.
## Missile Attack on Ukraine
Russian forces launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Ukrainian energy infrastructure, plunging 600,000 people in Kyiv into darkness on Wednesday.
## Zelensky's Reasons
Zelensky cited U.S. military threats to withhold intelligence, new Starlink restrictions, White House deals with Moscow, and Trump’s admiration for Vladimir Putin as reasons for resuming strikes.

> Putin is an enemy for us, and he’s the real evil of today. Absolutely.
## U.S.-Ukraine Tensions
Trump and Zelensky have a rocky relationship, with Trump berating Zelensky during a White House summit in February 2025 and parroting Kremlin talking points about Zelensky’s legitimacy.
## European Allies Support
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that destroying Russian refineries would be beneficial as Russia funds the war through energy exports.
## Albania Protests
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama faced student-led protests demanding his resignation over corruption allegations linked to Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

> My responsibility is to listen, address legitimate concerns and keep Albania moving forward.
## China-North Korea Bridge
China and North Korea opened the New Yalu River Bridge, connecting Dandong and Sinuiju, to boost bilateral trade despite North Korea’s sanctions.
## Brazil Workweek Change
Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional amendment shortening the workweek from 44 to 40 hours, affecting 37 million workers.
## Key takeaway

Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries following U.S. President Trump's demand for an energy cease-fire.