Ukraine has announced it will resume attacks on Russian energy facilities following Moscow’s failure to respect a recently proposed “energy ceasefire.” This pause on striking refineries had lasted three days at the request of the U.S., aiming to reduce conflict over power infrastructure and stabilize fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed to the Financial Times that Ukraine is no longer maintaining this truce, signaling a return to targeting Russian energy assets.

The ceasefire arrangement was initially brokered by former President Donald Trump, who sought to halt assaults on energy sites by both Ukraine and Russia. Despite Ukraine’s restraint, Russia launched an extensive missile campaign against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including approximately 40 ballistic missile strikes. Zelenskyy expressed feelings of betrayal over the breakdown in the truce and criticized Russia’s actions as a violation of the agreement.

Adding to Kyiv’s frustrations are recent restrictions on Starlink satellite services, critical for Ukraine’s real-time military communications and early warnings of missile attacks. Starlink’s sister service, Starshield, has seen imposed speed limits on mobile terminals without notifying Ukrainian defense forces. Zelenskyy’s defense technology adviser, Serhii Beskrestnov, suggested these restrictions are politically motivated, linking them to the current fraught relations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk clarified that the U.S. government has ultimate control over Starshield, implying that limitations on the system stem from federal decisions. Zelenskyy voiced disappointment at what he perceives as U.S. actions limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities at a critical moment. Despite these setbacks, he emphasized that Ukraine’s survival and its strategic partnership with the U.S. remain paramount.