Ukraine has reportedly paused attacks on Russian oil refineries following pressure from US President Donald Trump, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with military operations.
The unofficial halt reportedly began early last week and is expected to continue until after the November 3 US midterm elections. The pause could extend further into November, although no formal agreement has been publicly announced.
The reported development comes as the Trump administration seeks to contain rising fuel prices in the United States. Trump has argued that Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure are contributing to higher fuel costs and has urged Kyiv to stop targeting such facilities.
US Midterm Elections Add Pressure Over Fuel Prices
The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of both chambers of the US Congress. Rising fuel costs and inflation have emerged as important economic concerns for American voters.
Diesel prices are particularly significant because the fuel powers freight transportation, agricultural machinery and several other industries. Higher costs can affect the prices of food, goods and transportation, increasing financial pressure on households and businesses.
Trump has linked Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil infrastructure to rising fuel prices, adding another dimension to Washington's approach towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump Announces Russian Diesel Supply Arrangement
The reported pause in Ukrainian attacks coincides with Trump's announcement that Russia had agreed to resume diesel supplies to the United States and international markets.
On October 9, Trump said Moscow had agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel, with additional shipments expected. His administration also temporarily eased sanctions on Russian fuel exports to facilitate the arrangement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the move, describing it as a weak decision by international partners. He warned that additional energy revenue could help Russia finance its military campaign.
Some US lawmakers also questioned the decision, arguing that Washington should maintain economic pressure on Moscow rather than ease restrictions on its energy exports.
Ukraine's Drone Campaign Against Russian Oil Facilities
Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to target Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and other energy infrastructure.
Kyiv views these attacks as a way to disrupt fuel supplies to the Russian military, reduce Russia's energy revenues and damage infrastructure supporting its war effort.
Several Russian refineries have reportedly faced temporary shutdowns or reduced processing capacity following Ukrainian attacks. Russia, meanwhile, has continued strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
No Formal Agreement to End the Strikes
The reported suspension does not represent a publicly announced agreement between Ukraine and Russia to stop attacks on energy facilities.
Ukraine has previously indicated that any halt to such strikes should be reciprocal, with Russia also stopping attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
For now, the reported pause highlights the connection between the ongoing war, international energy markets and domestic political pressures in the United States. Whether the suspension continues beyond the midterm elections remains uncertain.
For official updates, visit the President of Ukraine's website.
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