Ukraine hits Russian oil refineries as Russian strikes cut Ukrainian power

Ukraine has launched new drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, while Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure left thousands without electricity. The Guardian reported that Ukrainian long range drones caused a fire at the Kstovo refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region overnight, shortly after hitting another refinery in the Samara region. Meanwhile, DW, NBC News, and ABC News reported that Russian attacks struck Ukrainian power facilities, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that at least four regions were targeted. [1][2][4][5]

Kremlin officials cited by the Guardian said that Kyiv is ignoring United States wishes regarding refinery attacks days before the American midterm elections. A localized ceasefire in the Kherson region is scheduled to expire late on Sunday, according to the Guardian and DW. DW reported that the temporary deal in the Kherson region, including the occupied town of Oleshky, was brokered by Melania Trump. [1][2]

The latest escalation follows previous diplomatic tension between Washington and Kyiv over energy strikes. As FTMQ News reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would resume attacks on Russian oil facilities after a brief pause requested by Washington, accusing the United States of halting intelligence sharing to exert pressure on Kyiv. United States President Donald Trump previously criticized the Ukrainian strikes, claiming that they drive up global energy prices. [10][11]

Diplomatic friction from the war was also visible at international gatherings on Sunday. DW reported that foreign ministers from G20 countries refused to participate in a traditional group photo with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled the photo event due to the boycott. [2]