Key facts
- Ukraine denied agreeing to a pause in strikes on Russian oil refineries.
- Multiple Ukrainian drones struck the Novokuibyshevsk refinery on October 30.
- A senior Ukrainian official stated Jared Kushner suggested a pause, but no agreement was made.
- Russia confirmed strikes on three refineries and one gas-chemical complex on October 30.
Ukraine has denied reports that it agreed to pause strikes on Russian oil refineries, with officials stating that no such order was given. The denial comes after multiple Ukrainian drones struck the Novokuibyshevsk refinery in Russia's Samara Oblast on October 30, following claims of a potential pause until after U.S. midterm elections. The Wall Street Journal had reported that Ukraine agreed to a pause, citing sources familiar with the operations and suggesting political pressure from the Trump administration. However, Ukrainian officials told the Kyiv Independent that while U.S. envoy Jared Kushner had suggested a pause, no agreement was reached. President Zelensky had also previously stated that Ukrainian forces did not have an order to pause strikes. Russia confirmed the attacks, with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stating that three refineries and one gas-chemical complex were targeted, with minor damage at one plant.