Ukraine to Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries Amid U.S. Support Dispute

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine will restart strikes on Russian oil refineries after limiting such attacks for three days at Washington's request, accusing the United States of withdrawing intelligence support and pressuring Kyiv after a deal to import Russian diesel. The remarks follow overnight Russian strikes across Ukraine that killed at least six people, including in the central Kirovrad region, with local authorities reporting 360 drones and a 10-hour attack. European leaders are meeting in Brussels for a European Council summit where Russia's war in Ukraine is a central focus.

■ Military and diplomatic developments
- Zelensky says Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries after a three-day pause requested by Washington.
- Overnight Russian attacks killed at least six and hit civilian homes and energy infrastructure; the Kirovrad region saw its worst attack since the war began, with 360 drones over 10 hours.
- A reported ceasefire announced by Donald Trump was not respected by Russia, according to Zelensky, who says Kyiv will restart refinery attacks.

■ Starlink and Starshield restrictions
- Elon Musk says speed or usage limits on Starshield are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the President.
- Starshield is used by Ukraine's military to coordinate drones, guide attacks, and coordinate air defense; a reported 100 mph speed cap affects drone and defensive operations.
- Ukrainian officials believe intelligence sharing is incomplete, limiting their ability to track incoming missiles and warn civilians.
- Zelensky is meeting European allies to shore up support, while analysts note there is no substitute for U.S. intelligence and communications technology.

■ European response and summit
- EU leaders meet in Brussels for a European Council summit focused on long-term budget, energy, China, and Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Concerns include Trump's announcement that the U.S. will buy Russian diesel, which some European leaders say legitimizes Moscow and undermines EU sanctions.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the move undermines collective European sanctions efforts.
- Reports from talks in Miami included a U.S. suggestion to unfreeze frozen Russian assets and possibly have the U.S. look after the funds; European discussions have focused on using frozen assets for Ukraine.
- Zelensky is expected to address NATO's Mark Rutte, and European leaders may weigh in on the Trump-Zelensky dispute.

■ Technology dependence analysis
- Dr. Samuel Ramani of RUSI explains Ukraine's reliance on Starlink for basic communications and Starshield for complex military logistics.
- Disruptions have been linked to increased civilian casualties and reduced emergency preparedness, including frontline logistics and hospital treatment coordination.
- Speed limits are significant because Russia is producing faster missiles and hypersonics; Ukraine has few substitute systems for military communications.
- Poland provides about $50 million a year for 29,000 terminals, but U.S. intelligence sharing remains critical.

For viewers following the military and diplomatic dimensions of the Russia-Ukraine war, this provides a concise update on recent strikes, U.S.-Ukraine tensions, European reactions, and the role of satellite communications. It offers context on the positions of officials and analysts without requiring prior detailed knowledge of the conflict's daily developments. Viewers can use it to understand the key issues being debated ahead of and during the European Council summit.