Ukraine is going to stop attacks on Russian refineries before the mid-term elections for the US Congress or even until mid-November, the Wall Street Journal wrote yesterday, citing sources. Moreover, such attacks seem to have resumed today. WSJ writes that the suspension occurred under pressure from Trump. According to the magazine, back in mid-October, Ukrainian units engaged in long-range attacks were ordered to stop attacks on refineries after the planned operations were completed. The break started early last week.
As a source told the WSJ, Defense Minister Hamra told Zelensky that the military considers it advisable to temporarily abandon the attacks due to the difficult diplomatic situation. The president agreed, but emphasized that the army could renew the attacks at its discretion. Zelensky himself told reporters on Tuesday that there is no prohibition against attacks on Russian refineries. “Our guys tried to be a little more cautious these days. But they don't have an order not to damage refineries," the president said. According to two US officials, on October 20, at a meeting in Oslo, Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, again demanded Mazlansky stop attacks on oil refineries. One of the interlocutors called the conversation "very difficult". Kushner said he and Steve Witkoff are investing a lot of time, effort and resources in brokering negotiations with Moscow. Therefore, a 30-day pause in attacks would be a way for Ukraine to express gratitude to the United States. At the same time, the European allies also advised Zelensky to suspend the attacks until the American elections, fearing a further worsening of relations between Kiev and Washington. According to the WSJ, Zelensky was trying to get something from Trump in exchange for stopping the attacks. He proposed a mutual energy truce with Russia, the supply of additional Patriot missiles, or permission to use Starlink on Russian territory to destroy Russian missile launchers. However, none of these proposals were developed.