Zelensky resumes strikes on Russian refineries despite Trump’s demand

Summary

Le Monde reports that Zelensky has resumed strikes on Russian refineries, prompting Trump to call them “a disgrace.” It says the end of a truce called for by the US president marks an escalation in tensions between the two leaders after Washington and Moscow agreed on Russian diesel fuel deliveries. Hindustan Times earlier reported that Zelensky said Ukraine would not follow Trump’s demand to avoid striking Russian refineries, and that ties between Kyiv and Washington had soured after Trump finalized a diesel deal with Russia.

Timeline

1. Hindustan Times

   15 Oct 2026, 17:30 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that Zelensky said Ukraine would not follow Trump’s demand to avoid striking Russian refineries, and that Kyiv-Washington ties had soured after Trump finalized a diesel deal with Russia.

2. Le Monde

   16 Oct 2026, 09:35 UTCSource ↗

   Le Monde reports that Zelensky resumed strikes on Russian refineries and Trump called them “a disgrace,” describing the end of a US-called truce as an escalation in tensions after a Russian diesel fuel deal between Washington and Moscow.