Russia and Ukraine trade attacks on energy facilities, disregarding ceasefire

Bangla Press Desk: The ‘energy ceasefire’ announced by U.S. President Donald Trump has collapsed. Russia launched a record number of drone strikes across central Ukraine overnight, while Ukraine, in turn, has resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries. Despite Trump’s warnings and his efforts to halt the conflict, both nations continue to target each other’s energy infrastructure, according to *The Guardian*. Russia reports that an oil refinery in the Ryazan region was struck—the first such attack in the area since Trump’s surprise announcement of an ‘energy ceasefire.’ Notably, neither Russia nor Ukraine has acknowledged agreeing to any such truce.
Trump had urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that these strikes have driven up global diesel prices.
However, on Wednesday (October 14), Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine would resume its strikes on Russian oil refineries. He explained that the attacks had been paused temporarily to demonstrate Kyiv’s readiness for peace talks. Speaking to the British newspaper *Financial Times*, he stated, “The ban on attacks against refineries has been lifted. We are done [with the pause].” Zelenskyy also criticized a shortfall in intelligence sharing from the United States, describing the situation as “dangerous.” Images have emerged showing a fire burning at the Ryazan oil refinery; regional officials claim the facility was targeted by 69 drones and four ‘Flamingo’ cruise missiles. Russian authorities, meanwhile, assert that the fire was ignited when debris from a drone—shot down by air defense systems—fell onto the refinery.
Separately, it has been reported that more than 360 Russian drones were launched against the Kirovohrad region in central Ukraine—an area that had previously experienced less intense attacks compared to other regions closer to the Russian border. In this latest attack, three people were killed and six were injured. Andriy Raykovych, the regional governor, stated, "The enemy has deliberately targeted critical infrastructure, transport facilities, supply networks, and residential buildings."
Zelenskyy claims that Russia has launched more than 850 'Shahed' drones against Ukraine. These attacks are occurring at a time when Ukraine's ability to utilize its own defense systems is being artificially constrained. He also pointed to sudden restrictions placed on the use of Starlink and Starshield satellite internet terminals, which are controlled by the U.S. military.
In a post on the social media platform X, Zelenskyy wrote, "It is clear that Russia has intentionally intensified its attacks, seizing the opportunity created by the easing of restrictions and the mounting pressure on Ukraine."
He added, "Ukraine requires sustained support, particularly in terms of air defense. We need honesty from our partners regarding this war. Everyone in the United States should stand on the side of saving human lives, ending the war, and ensuring security—rather than siding with the aggressor."
Last week, Trump unexpectedly announced an "energy ceasefire" on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote, "An energy ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine is now in effect. Both sides have agreed to it. It will not be broken!"
However, even after Trump's announcement, Russia continued its large-scale attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. Using hypersonic and ballistic missiles, they targeted key power plants, disrupting electricity and water supplies for several hours in various cities, including the capital, Kyiv. Notably, Ukraine had previously decided to temporarily halt attacks on Russian oil refineries as a gesture of its readiness for peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, the White House has been increasing pressure on Zelenskyy. As part of an effort to pressure Ukraine into accepting Russia’s terms, threats were made to halt the supply of weapons and cease the sharing of battlefield intelligence.
It appears that some of these threats have already been carried out. Ukraine claims that, on several occasions this week, Kyiv did not receive advance warnings from Washington regarding Russian missile attacks. On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces also alleged that their access to the ‘Starshield’ service—controlled by the U.S. military—had been restricted, which hindered drone operations on the front lines. Over the past week, the rift between Zelenskyy and Trump has intensified. Trump believes that, in exchange for U.S. support, the United States should have the opportunity to exert control over Ukraine’s leadership; he has even suggested that Ukraine “should get a new president.”
In an interview with journalist Piers Morgan on Thursday, Zelenskyy was asked whether he felt betrayed. He replied, “Yes,” adding, “It is unfortunate that we are losing a strong partner.” Meanwhile, Elon Musk—head of SpaceX, the company that produces the Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian military—has also emerged as a harsh critic of Zelenskyy. On Thursday, Musk denied allegations that the Starlink system had been restricted, noting that the system remains under the control of the U.S. government. However, in response to Zelenskyy’s statement that Ukraine would continue the war until Russia is defeated, Musk wrote on social media, “And so the slaughter continues...”

BP/TD