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Zelensky to Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 11:36 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Zelensky Resumes Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries despite U.S. objections.
EU leaders said they would ask Zelensky to soften public criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The European Union pledged a €90-billion loan and will seek at least €70 billion more as war costs €55 billion.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned Russia broke the U.S. energy ceasefire and announced new sanctions.

Summary

Belgium Sends F-16s

Belgium will deliver three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Belgium to speed up ammunition deliveries for the jets amid intensified Russian attacks.
Zelensky said the F-16s are significantly helping repel Russian Shahed drone attacks.
Belgium announced a new defense assistance package and pledged contributions to NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List.

History

Historical Context

From 24 March to 10 June 1999 NATO’s Operation Allied Force flew more than 38,000 combat missions, forcing Yugoslav forces to withdraw from Kosovo after 78 days of bombing. The campaign showed that sustained air power can reshape a conflict, a model later referenced in debates over among international Western air assistance to Ukraine.

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Zelensky Resumes Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries despite U.S. objections.
EU leaders said they would ask Zelensky to soften public criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The European Union pledged a €90-billion loan and will seek at least €70 billion more as war costs €55 billion.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned Russia broke the U.S. energy ceasefire and announced new sanctions.

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