Ukraine resumes attacks on Russian oil refineries
The gist
Ukraine hit three Russian refineries and a gas complex in the Samara region, Russia's Alexander Novak said.
The strikes test Trump's push to keep diesel flowing before the US midterms.
How it unfolded
- Oct 27, 2026Zelenskyy told reporters no ban on strikes against Russian refineries had been imposed, saying his forces had 'no orders not to strike oil refineries'.
- Oct 29, 2026The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people with knowledge of the operations, that Ukraine's military had paused refinery strikes after pressure from Trump, expected to last until after the Nov. 3 US midterm elections.
- Oct 30, 2026Ukraine resumed attacks after a pause of almost two weeks, launching a large dawn offensive on facilities in the Samara region; Novak said three refineries and one gas and petrochemical complex were hit, one slightly damaged.