EU backs Ukraine's refinery strikes but urges softer tone on Trump

Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after a three-day "energy truce," according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview published Thursday, October 15. The decision follows continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which killed over 100 civilians in the past week. Zelenskyy cited Moscow's ongoing assaults, including strikes on all Kyiv thermal power plants on October 14, as the reason for ending the moratorium. He also complained that Ukraine received no US intelligence or Starlink terminal support during the pause, which contributed to the decision. Russia denies any moratorium existed, claiming attacks continued, while Ukraine calls these statements fake. The European Union supports Ukraine's actions, with officials noting oil funds Russia's war effort. However, EU leaders plan to urge Zelenskyy to soften public criticism of US President Donald Trump to avoid jeopardizing American aid, with one source saying "not everything should be said out loud."