Zelensky rallies European allies as Ukraine resumes refinery strikes

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rallied European allies after saying Ukraine would no longer pause strikes on Russian oil refineries, with Le Monde reporting that he cited Moscow’s failure to observe a US-announced ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure. France 24 reported that Zelensky sought European backing on Thursday after vowing to resume the strikes, amid tensions with Washington over sanctions, energy infrastructure attacks and satellite communications restrictions. An earlier France 24 interview said guest Peter Zalmayev questioned the basis of US President Donald Trump’s unilateral ceasefire announcement and warned that tactical restraint could help preserve US support.

Timeline

1. France 24

   15 Oct 2026, 16:14 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Zelensky had declared Ukraine was done with Trump’s self-proclaimed energy ceasefire and resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries; interview guest Peter Zalmayev questioned the unilateral announcement and warned that restraint could help preserve US support.

2. France 24

   15 Oct 2026, 23:06 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Zelensky sought European backing on Thursday after vowing to resume refinery strikes, amid escalating tensions with Washington over sanctions, energy infrastructure attacks and satellite communications restrictions.

3. Le Monde

   16 Oct 2026, 05:41 UTCSource ↗

   Le Monde reports that Zelensky said Ukraine was no longer pausing strikes on Russian refineries because Moscow was not abiding by the US president’s announced ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure.