Russia acknowledges refinery strike as Trump condemns Ukraine attacks

Summary

Russia has publicly acknowledged a Ukrainian drone strike on a major oil refinery this week and broadcast images on state media, while Trump called Ukraine’s renewed attacks on Russian refineries a disgrace. NBC News says his remarks are part of an effort to pressure the U.S. ally over rising gas prices that could cost Republicans in next month’s midterm elections. This follows earlier reports that Zelenskyy said a pause in attacks on energy sites was over after fresh Russian attacks.

Timeline

1. RTÉ

   16 Oct 2026, 02:15 UTCSource ↗

   RTÉ reports that Zelensky criticized Trump’s diesel deal with Russia and welcomed the prospect of European allies stepping up their role in talks.

2. Le Monde

   16 Oct 2026, 02:38 UTCSource ↗

   Le Monde reports that Trump called renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries a disgrace during a Thursday Newsmax interview in which he discussed the war and weighed in on Putin and Zelensky.

3. NBC News

   16 Oct 2026, 09:37 UTCSource ↗

   NBC News reports that Trump called Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries a disgrace and describes his remarks as part of a pressure campaign over rising gas prices that could cost Republicans in next month’s midterm elections.

4. The Straits Times

   16 Oct 2026, 10:10 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Russia publicly acknowledged a Ukrainian drone strike on a major refinery this week and broadcast images of the attack on state media.