Ukraine's military has informally suspended strikes against Russian oil refineries following pressure from President Donald Trump's administration, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the operations. Ukrainian long-range strike units were reportedly instructed in mid-October to halt refinery missions after completing operations already underway, temporarily restricting one of Kyiv's principal methods of targeting Russia's energy infrastructure.

The suspension reportedly began during the week of October 19 and could remain in effect until after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections, potentially extending further into November. The Ukrainian government has not formally announced a comprehensive halt to refinery attacks, and Reuters said it could not independently verify the Journal's account of the military instructions.

The reported decision follows weeks of disagreements between Washington and Kyiv over Ukraine's campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. Trump has pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to end refinery strikes amid concerns over international fuel supplies and prices. Ukrainian officials have defended the attacks as a response to sustained Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities, power facilities and other infrastructure.

Russian oil processing has recovered considerably as attacks have subsided. Reuters reported October 27 that Russian refineries increased crude processing by approximately 25% during the second half of October compared with earlier in the month, citing industry sources. The reduction in Ukrainian strikes has occurred despite continued Russian missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, leaving the duration and potential reciprocity of the reported pause uncertain.