Zelensky says to resume strikes on Russian refineries, terms US moves betrayal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told British media that Ukraine would restart strikes on Russia's oil refineries and described recent U.S. moves as a betrayal of Kyiv, according to reports on Thursday, said Xinhua.

"The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We're done," Zelensky said in an interview with the Financial Times, arguing that Ukraine had paused energy strikes for three days to comply with the U.S.-announced "energy ceasefire," while Moscow continued to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate "energy ceasefire."

Zelensky also said the U.S. cutting off intelligence and restricting Starlink internet service has been "dangerous" for Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Ukraine said U.S. aerospace company SpaceX restricted Starlink services, hampering the country's attack and air-defense drone missions.

Visiting London on Wednesday, Zelensky admitted to British broadcaster Piers Morgan he felt "betrayed" by the recent U.S. moves.

"They (the United States) wanted us not to attack diesel. My opinion was it's not fair," he said, adding that it was "really strange" and "something absolutely crazy" for the United States to restrict Starlink services.

"I think he is not right. It's a big mistake," replied Zelensky when asked if he was angry at SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. "I don't know him or (if) somebody pushed him to ... I don't know really."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces struck six Su-34M bombers at the Borisoglebsk military airfield in Russia's southwestern Voronezh region overnight on Thursday, the Ukrainian Navy said in a report, according to Xinhua.

The aircraft were hit using the Neptune coastal missile system. The strikes also targeted technical equipment supporting aviation operations. Secondary explosions and a fire were observed at the airfield, the report said.

The Navy said it expects the operation to weaken Russia's aviation capabilities and reduce the intensity of tactical aviation operations.

The Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 166 Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles over the territories of the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, etc. overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The Russian military also hit infrastructure at the port of Izmail in the Odessa region that was used by the armed forces of Ukraine, the ministry said.