Zelensky announces that Ukraine will strike Russian refineries more intensely, in response to Moscow’s new air strategy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will intensify its attacks on oil refineries in Russia in response to what he called Moscow’s “new doctrine” regarding air attacks. He made the statement in an interview with Reuters amid intensified Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

Zelensky claims that Ukrainian intelligence services obtained documents indicating that Vladimir Putin had authorized broader attacks on infrastructure, logistics, roads, schools and hospitals. According to the Kyiv leader, the goal would be to pressure the population to leave the capital and other cities as winter approaches.

In this context, Ukraine says it will strike Russia’s energy sector, particularly oil refineries, which it considers an important source of war financing. Zelensky stressed, however, that the Ukrainian military will not target civilian sites.

The statements came after repeated drone and missile attacks on energy and telecommunications facilities in Kyiv. Russia is also said to have targeted, for the first time, the bridges over the Dnipro River linking the eastern and western parts of the capital. Zelensky also said that Russian drone incursions into Europe are intended to intimidate the population and weaken support for Ukraine. Moscow rejects the accusations.