Zelensky says troops "tried to be a little more careful" but "do not have an order" on refineries

People familiar with the operations say Ukraine’s military has temporarily paused strikes on Russian oil refineries, an undeclared halt expected to last past the U.S. midterm elections. The pause began early last week amid strained U.S.-Ukrainian relations; days earlier, President Trump called for Zelensky’s removal and SpaceX restricted Ukraine’s Starlink use. Zelensky has tied holding off to more protection for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which Russia keeps attacking, causing civilian deaths. Two military officials said units were told in mid-October to complete ongoing missions and then stand down from the refinery campaign. Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara reportedly told Zelensky the military favored caution because of diplomacy; Zelensky agreed but kept the option to resume. Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv on Tuesday that troops had shown greater care while stressing the military remained free to target refineries.