Zelensky accuses Russia of removing restrictions on airstrikes and targeting more and more civilian sites in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian leader Vladimir Putin may have abandoned previously imposed limits on airstrikes against Ukraine. The information reportedly comes from communications intercepted by Kyiv’s intelligence services, and the order was allegedly issued in September, amid intensifying bombardments of the capital.

In an interview with the Financial Times from an air-raid shelter at a school in Kyiv that was recently hit by a Russian jet-powered drone, Zelenskyy said Russia is no longer targeting only energy infrastructure and military sites, but also an increasing number of civilian targets. According to the Ukrainian president, the repeated attacks are also intended to intimidate the population.

The Kremlin rejected the accusations. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian military does not attack schools or hospitals. However, images published online and fragments recovered from the school in Kyiv indicate the use of a drone bearing markings from Russian manufacturers and inscriptions in Russian.

Ukrainian services warn that Russia could intensify its attacks on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Lviv before winter. Zelenskyy said that approximately 500 drones were launched in a single day. Kyiv is seeking to develop interceptor drones, while the Ukrainian president considers support from Western allies insufficient.