Zelensky seeks European backing as refinery strikes deepen tensions with Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought backing from European leaders in Brussels on October 15, meeting NATO chief Mark Rutte ahead of a European Union summit as Kyiv rejected Washington's demand to stop striking Russian oil refineries.¹

European support

The diplomatic meetings, reported on October 15 and 16, came as relations between Ukraine and the United States deteriorated. European leaders have broadly supported Zelensky, who held bilateral talks while seeking additional backing for Ukraine's defence against Russia.¹²⁴

After meeting Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine needed access to everything required to defend itself. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also publicly expressed support. Zelensky urged European governments to act jointly, saying: "It is especially important now to act together to protect lives."¹³

Dispute over energy attacks

Zelensky said Ukraine would no longer observe President Donald Trump's demand that it refrain from attacking Russian oil refineries. He accused Moscow of failing to respect the proposed halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, an allegation reported by The Straits Times and The Manila Times.¹²

Russia carried out a drone strike against energy infrastructure in Lutsk, leaving the Ukrainian city with blackouts. A separate drone attack caused a fire at an oil refinery south of Moscow. The Kremlin accused Kyiv of undermining US peace efforts by renewing refinery attacks.¹²

Trump eased sanctions against Russia in return for Moscow making large quantities of diesel available to global markets. According to The Manila Times, he condemned Ukraine's renewed attacks and accused Kyiv of increasing global energy prices. The United States threatened to stop sharing intelligence if Ukraine continued long-range strikes against Russian refineries.¹²

Satellite disruptions

Outages affecting Starshield, a satellite system supplied by the United States, hampered Ukraine's ability to respond to Russian bombardments. Ukraine uses the system for battlefield communications, attacks at medium range in Russian-occupied territory and interceptor drones. The Straits Times also reported that it helps Ukrainian forces identify incoming attacks and organise their frontline response.¹²

The US government owns and controls Starshield. Decisions on restrictions to its speed or use rest with the US military and, ultimately, the president. Unlike Starshield, Starlink is also in service in Ukraine, though it is not employed in offensive operations. According to The Manila Times, Elon Musk denied that SpaceX was responsible for the Starshield disruption.¹²

Russia has stepped up bombardments of Ukraine, including its capital, in recent months. The Straits Times reported that civilian casualties were increasing and everyday life was being disrupted. Zelensky's appeal to European leaders combined a call for more defence assistance with a request for greater pressure on Russia.¹²