Ukraine Halts Strikes on Russian Refineries After U.S. Pressure

Ukraine has temporarily paused its military strikes on Russian oil refineries following weeks of pressure from President Trump, which shook Kyiv's confidence in U.S. support. The unofficial halt began early last week and is expected to last until after the U.S. midterm elections, potentially extending deeper into November. The pause came amid a crisis in U.S.-Ukrainian relations, days after Trump called for the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and SpaceX limited Ukraine's use of Starlink. Ukrainian military units were told in mid-October to hold off on refinery strikes once ongoing missions were completed, with Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara advising Zelensky that restraint was best given the delicate diplomatic situation. Zelensky agreed but stressed the military remained free to resume strikes if it chose. Ukraine has not officially announced the pause, and Zelensky has linked it to demands for better protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which Russia has been systematically destroying ahead of winter. Russia continues escalating missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing mounting civilian casualties. Ukraine's reliance on Starlink, U.S. intelligence-sharing, and Patriot interceptors has left it vulnerable to American pressure despite Trump ending most U.S. aid last year.