Ukraine Resumes Drone Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries, Defying Trump Ahead of US Midterms

Ukraine has renewed attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, hitting refineries in Nizhny Novgorod and Samara oblasts with long-range drones, according to Russian state media. The strikes come despite reported pressure from former President Donald Trump, with the Kremlin accusing Kyiv of 'simply ignoring' US wishes just days before the midterm elections. The Samara refinery is owned by Rosneft, the Russian state energy giant. The attacks signal Ukraine's continued strategy to disrupt Russia's fuel supplies and revenue, even as diplomatic tensions over the conflict persist. A ceasefire in the occupied town of Oleshky is set to end late Sunday, adding to the uncertainty. The timing raises questions about the influence of US politics on the war's trajectory. As the midterms approach, the strikes may complicate efforts to de-escalate and highlight the limits of external pressure on Kyiv's military decisions.