Ukraine Vows to Keep Striking Russian Refineries Despite Trump Deal – FT

According to a report by Kyiv Post on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Ukraine has vowed to continue attacking Russian oil refineries despite growing pressure from the United States to stop strikes on Moscow’s energy infrastructure following a deal to resume Russian diesel exports to American and international markets.

A senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Kyiv would maintain its long-range drone campaign against Russian energy facilities, signalling that the country has no immediate plans to suspend the operations.

“We will burn Russian refineries,” the official reportedly said, stressing Ukraine’s determination to keep targeting facilities that generate revenue for the Kremlin and supply fuel for its military.

The development follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Friday, October 9, that Russia would supply diesel to the United States and other global markets after a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump said Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, with another 500,000 tonnes expected in November and further supplies to follow.

The agreement represents a significant shift in Washington’s approach to Russian petroleum exports and has triggered criticism from Kyiv, which argues that easing restrictions on Moscow could provide additional resources for its war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the decision, warning that allowing Russia to earn more money from petroleum exports could prolong the conflict.

He argued that sanctions relief without a clear and lasting reduction in Russian military operations would benefit Moscow without guaranteeing progress towards peace.

“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilised world,” Zelenskyy said in remarks reported by Ukrainian media.

The Ukrainian president also explained that his country’s attacks on Russian oil refineries were a response to Moscow’s repeated strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said Kyiv was prepared to stop attacking Russian refineries if Russia stopped destroying Ukrainian energy facilities, presenting reciprocal restraint as a possible route towards de-escalation.

The dispute has also created tensions between Washington and Kyiv. According to the Financial Times, US officials warned Ukrainian representatives that continued attacks on Russian oil infrastructure could jeopardise intelligence-sharing between the two countries.

The warning reportedly came during discussions in Miami between Ukrainian officials and representatives of the Trump administration, where the sides were expected to discuss efforts to end the war.

Despite the pressure, Kyiv appears determined to continue using strikes against Russian energy infrastructure as part of its military strategy.

On October 2, Ukraine’s Security Service announced that Ukrainian forces had struck four Russian oil infrastructure facilities in the Samara and Volgograd regions. The targets included pumping stations and the Volgograd oil refinery, where fires were reported following the attacks.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted refineries, oil storage facilities and transportation infrastructure in an effort to disrupt Russian fuel supplies and reduce revenue supporting Moscow’s military campaign.

The attacks have also affected Russia’s domestic fuel industry, although the extent of the damage and the duration of disruptions vary between facilities.

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