Sourced fact
The News
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries after a three-day pause based on a request from the United States. Zelensky accused the US of withdrawing crucial intelligence support, prompting this decision. Speaking to the Financial Times, Zelensky said, "It’s over." He added that the US no longer shares intelligence on Russian attacks with Ukraine, leading to continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.
In the same context, the Kremlin stated that Ukraine attempted a large-scale attack on a Moscow oil refinery in the early hours of Thursday. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, four missiles and dozens of drones were intercepted, resulting in a fire at the site. Zelensky confirmed that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians lost electricity due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Zelensky also pointed out that the US informed Ukrainian officials that it would cease intelligence sharing if Ukraine did not stop its attacks on Russian infrastructure. Zelensky said, "It wasn’t a technical problem, but a matter of will." According to sources in the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the Starshield system was restored to full operation, but the reason for the previous restrictions remains unclear.
Zelensky expressed his dissatisfaction with the US, noting that former US President Donald Trump had a closer relationship with autocratic leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky stated that he would not stop oil strikes on Russia unless the US provides more Patriot missile defense systems. He added that Ukraine has been short of these systems since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
During his visit to London, Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street, where the UK announced it would speed up the delivery of anti-tank missiles to Kyiv. Zelensky also noted that the US supports the Russian war through deals such as those related to diesel, which angers Ukraine. Zelensky stated, "The question is: when will the next deal be? Perhaps it will be gas, definitely it will be gas."
As Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, Zelensky pointed out that the measures taken by the US come at a critical time. Although Ukrainian officials were not informed prior to the imposition of restrictions on the Starlink system’s speed, SpaceX owner Elon Musk clarified that decisions regarding the Starshield system are made by the US Department of Defense.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
From an analytical perspective, this decision reflects growing tensions between Ukraine and the US regarding military strategy. Zelensky views strikes on Russian oil infrastructure as necessary to cut off Russian revenue sources. Meanwhile, the US aims to de-escalate tensions and lower fuel prices in the US.
In a broader context, Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continue, increasing pressure on the Ukrainian government. Russia announced that it intercepted a large-scale attack on a Moscow oil refinery, indicating the persistence of Russian military activity.
Technically, Ukrainian forces rely on Starlink services to guide drones and protect the air domain. Restrictions on Starlink use have raised doubts about US support, leading to tensions between the two countries.
