Ukraine's Refinery Strikes Strain Russian Diesel Supplies as US Shipments Loom

Ukraine's renewed drone strikes on Russian oil refineries are complicating Moscow's efforts to manage domestic fuel shortages while it ships diesel internationally under a deal with US President Donald Trump. The Ryazan refinery, near Moscow, was reportedly hit overnight, following an attack on the Yaroslavl plant earlier this week. The strikes mark a breakdown in a pause and have forced significant refining capacity offline, leading to fuel shortages and export bans since April. A partial diesel export ban was lifted after the US deal in October, aimed at calming prices before the November 3 midterm elections, which Trump's party lost. At least six Russian diesel cargoes are heading toward the US, with the first expected in New York this weekend, though discharge is uncertain due to regulatory concerns. Kremlin officials insist the shipments will proceed, dismissing any link between course changes and the election outcome.