Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries, effectively ending a short-lived attempt by the Trump administration to establish an informal ‘energy ceasefire’ between Moscow and Kyiv.

The decision marks another escalation in the increasingly complicated relationship between Ukraine and the United States while demonstrating Kyiv’s determination to continue attacking one of Russia’s most important economic vulnerabilities.

The renewed campaign became clear on October 15, when Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was finished observing the proposed moratorium after Russia continued attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

President Donald Trump had announced on October 11 that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking energy facilities, but neither government formally confirmed such an agreement. Ukraine temporarily refrained from striking Russian refineries, while Russian forces continued hitting Ukrainian power and energy facilities.

For Ukraine, refinery attacks have become an important form of economic warfare. Russia depends heavily on petroleum exports and refining revenues to finance government spending and the war.

Ukrainian officials claim their long-range campaign has disabled or damaged a substantial portion of Russian refining capacity, although those figures are difficult to verify independently. The attacks also force Moscow to divert air defenses away from the battlefield and toward refineries, pipelines, storage facilities, and other infrastructure deep inside Russia.

The decision could significantly worsen U.S.-Ukrainian relations. President Trump has urged Kyiv to stop refinery attacks partly because his administration is concerned about global fuel prices and has pursued an arrangement allowing Russian diesel exports to reach international markets.

Washington reportedly warned Kyiv that continued strikes could place American military and intelligence assistance at risk. Zelenskyy, however, argues that Ukraine should not be expected to protect Russian energy facilities while Moscow attacks Ukraine’s electrical grid. He has suggested that another halt might be possible if Russia reciprocates and if Washington provides additional Patriot air-defense systems.

The dispute exposes a fundamental difference in priorities. While Mr. Trump wants to restrain attacks that could raise fuel prices and create momentum for negotiations. Ukraine sees Russian oil infrastructure as a legitimate strategic target capable of weakening Moscow’s ability to sustain the war. Any reduction in U.S. intelligence, communications or weapons support would therefore create serious risks for Kyiv, while simultaneously pushing Ukraine toward greater dependence on European assistance.

The broader war remains militarily unresolved. Russia continues offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the Donetsk fortress belt, but Ukrainian counterattacks have regained territory in several sectors and slowed Russian progress. Recent assessments indicate Ukrainian forces have made gains near Sumy and have resisted Russian advances around Lyman and parts of southern Ukraine.

Russia is expanding its ability to conduct massive long-range drone attacks. Satellite imagery shows Moscow constructing a new drone-launch complex in the Rostov region capable of supporting large numbers of increasingly fast jet-powered drones. That suggests Russia plans to continue major offensive operations through the coming winter and into next year.

Neither side appears close to decisive victory. The conflict is increasingly becoming a war of economic endurance, drones, and long-range strikes, with Ukraine attacking the infrastructure financing Russia’s war while Russia attempts to cripple Ukraine’s energy system and economy.

The renewed refinery campaign represents more than another round of attacks. It could be a sign that Kyiv remains willing to pursue its own strategy even when doing so risks a serious confrontation with its most important military supporter.