Ukraine pauses oil refinery strikes until US elections

Ukraine has reportedly suspended attacks on Russian oil refineries following pressure from US President Donald Trump, according to the Wall Street Journal. The informal pause is expected to last at least until the US midterm elections on November 3. Ukrainian drone units were told in mid-October to halt strikes on refineries after completing scheduled missions. Trump linked the attacks to rising fuel prices, though analysts attribute increases mainly to the war with Iran. US envoy Jared Kushner reiterated the request during an October 20 meeting with Zelensky. Kyiv sought reciprocal agreements excluding energy infrastructure strikes, plus Patriot systems and expanded Starlink access, but Russia made no clear commitment. The pause highlights Washington's influence over Ukraine's military choices, though its impact on de-escalation remains uncertain as Russian strikes continue.