Ukraine pauses strikes on Russian oil refineries after Trump pressure

Ukraine has suspended strikes on Russian oil refineries following pressure from US President Donald Trump, according to The Wall Street Journal. The unofficial pause began last week and may last until after the US midterm elections. Trump demanded President Volodymyr Zelensky halt attacks, blaming Ukraine for rising global fuel prices. US envoy Jared Kushner repeated the demand on October 20 in Oslo, proposing a 30-day pause. European allies also advised considering US political sensitivity over energy prices ahead of the elections. Zelensky said Ukraine has no order to fully stop strikes and seeks concessions in return, including mutual energy infrastructure ceasefire, additional Patriot missiles, or Starlink access in Russia. Russia continues attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, while Ukraine's refinery strikes aim to reduce Russia's war funding capacity.