Ukraine keeps striking Russian refineries despite Trump pressure

Ukraine continues its drone campaign against Russian oil refineries despite reported pressure from the Trump administration to pause the strikes ahead of the US midterm elections, according to Ukrainian officials. Officials told the Kyiv Independent that Kyiv never agreed to suspend the attacks, contradicting an October 29 Wall Street Journal report claiming Ukraine accepted a pause until after November 3. A Ukrainian drone struck the Novokuibyshevsk refinery in Samara region within 24 hours of the article's publication. US envoy Jared Kushner suggested a 30-day halt, but Ukrainian officials said no order was given. Kyiv avoids publicly claiming strikes to prevent open conflict with Washington, though defense company Fire Point acknowledged the attack. Russia confirmed three refineries and a gas complex were hit on October 30.