Ukrainian military units learned in mid-October that their campaign against Russian oil refineries was being put on hold once active missions wrapped up. Donald Trump pushed for the cessation due to soaring domestic fuel costs and subsequently waived sanctions authorized in September to purchase Russian diesel directly. Although Kyiv defended the operations as vital leverage against relentless Russian bombardment, the pause is projected to stretch past the U.S. midterm elections.
Key points
Ukraine agreed to pause deep strikes against Russian oil facilities despite facing intens…: Ukraine agreed to pause deep strikes against Russian oil facilities despite facing intensified attacks on its own civilian energy grid.
Deteriorating relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy have complicated Ukr…: Deteriorating relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy have complicated Ukraine's defense strategy during renewed peace talk initiatives.
Economic concerns over record diesel prices led the United States to ease punitive measur…: Economic concerns over record diesel prices led the United States to ease punitive measures on Russian fuel supplies.
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Ukrainian units carrying out long-range strikes were told in mid-October that the campaign against refineries was effectively on hold once missions already in motion were completed, the Journal reported.
The unofficial pause is expected to last until after the US midterm elections and potentially deeper into November, it added. Russia has meanwhile stepped up attacks on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
The news of a pause comes amid renewed efforts to revive US-backed peace talks to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two.
Relations between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have taken a sharp downward turn in recent weeks, with Trump growing increasingly frustrated over Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as diesel prices hit record highs.
Ukraine had refused to halt the strikes, saying its long-range drone campaign is its only viable response to years of Russian bombardment. That prompted Trump to announce a deal to buy diesel from Moscow and waive sanctions on Moscow authorized by a bill he signed into law in September.
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