RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack on an oil refinery in Ryazan, south of Moscow, as renewed strikes on energy facilities deepen tensions between Kyiv and Washington over efforts to limit attacks on critical infrastructure.
The Russian Defence Ministry said on Thursday that the refinery, located approximately 180 kilometres south of Moscow, was targeted by Ukrainian drones.
According to the ministry, falling drone debris caused a fire within the refinery complex. The extent of the damage and any casualties were not immediately established.
The reported attack followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement that Kyiv would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries after abandoning an energy ceasefire announced by United States President Donald Trump.
Trump had declared the ceasefire on Sunday, October 11, but the arrangement was not publicly confirmed by both parties.
Ukraine said it had suspended attacks on Russian energy facilities for several days following the announcement. However, Kyiv accused Moscow of continuing strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the same period.
Zelenskyy subsequently indicated that Ukraine would no longer observe the proposed arrangement under those circumstances.
The Ukrainian president also accused Washington of weakening his country’s defensive capabilities through alleged restrictions on intelligence sharing and satellite communications.
Trump denied that the United States had stopped providing intelligence to Ukraine.
The disagreement comes amid growing pressure from Washington for Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian refineries, partly over concerns about international fuel supplies and rising energy prices.
The Trump administration has also promoted an arrangement involving the purchase of approximately 1.8 million tonnes of Russian diesel as part of efforts to address fuel supply pressures.
Zelenskyy criticised the proposal, questioning the implications of purchasing Russian energy products while the war continues.
He nevertheless indicated that Ukraine could reconsider suspending attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if Washington provided additional Patriot air-defence interceptors.
The Ukrainian leader also raised concerns about restrictions affecting access to SpaceX’s Starshield satellite communications system, which Ukraine uses for military operations.
SpaceX owner Elon Musk responded that decisions concerning restrictions on the system were controlled by the United States military and the Trump administration.
The developments have added to tensions between Washington and Kyiv over military assistance, energy policy and the direction of diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet European leaders in Brussels on Thursday to seek stronger sanctions against Russia and accelerated military assistance.
European governments have continued discussions over additional support for Ukraine, including financial commitments for 2027.
The European Union has pledged approximately $50 billion in assistance for next year, while Ukraine’s projected defence expenditure stands at about $175 billion.
The reported refinery attack follows another round of Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which caused casualties and electricity disruptions.
Neither Moscow nor Kyiv has announced a mutually accepted agreement to halt attacks on energy facilities, leaving prospects for a sustained ceasefire uncertain.
