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Flames and smoke rise from an oil refinery in Moscow, Russia, following a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Sept. 20 (local time). / AP-Yonhap

Ukraine has suspended attacks on Russian oil refineries following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Oct. 29 (local time), citing sources familiar with the operations.

Trump recently called for the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while SpaceX restricted Ukraine's access to Starlink, the satellite internet service it had been providing to the Ukrainian military.

The Ukrainian government has not officially announced a suspension of attacks on oil refineries. Zelensky previously demanded greater protection for Ukraine's energy infrastructure in exchange for refraining from attacks, saying Russia had been systematically destroying the country's energy facilities with missiles and drones ahead of winter.

Meanwhile, Russia has been intensifying attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities and cities, resulting in a growing number of deaths.

Two military officials familiar with the matter said Ukrainian units involved in long-range strike operations were informed in mid-October that attacks on oil refineries would effectively be suspended once ongoing operations were completed.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara advised Zelensky that it would be best to suspend attacks on oil refineries in light of the sensitive diplomatic situation, according to a source.

Zelensky accepted the recommendation but stressed that the military could resume attacks on oil refineries at any time if it wished, a person familiar with the matter said.

Ukraine is vulnerable to U.S. pressure because it relies on American support for satellite internet services, intelligence sharing and Patriot missile interceptor systems.

                                                                                                             Kim Hyun-min