Ukraine will step up strikes on Russian refineries in response to Moscow's aerial terror, Zelenskyy says

What Happened

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Reuters that Ukraine will increase strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to what he described as a new Russian campaign of airstrikes aimed at forcing residents to leave Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. He said Ukraine would not respond by striking civilian infrastructure indiscriminately. Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian intelligence obtained documents indicating Russian leader Vladimir Putin issued a 'new doctrine' allowing military attacks on a broader range of civilian targets ahead of this winter, including infrastructure, logistics, roads, schools, and hospitals, to pressure people to leave the capital and other cities. He attributed the policy shift to Putin's desire to appear strong while Russian troops are losing ground in Donbas and suffering heavy casualties, according to the interview.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The announcement signals an escalation in reciprocal strikes on energy infrastructure, specifically Russian oil refining capacity that funds the war effort, while drawing a line against targeting civilians. It also frames Russia's upcoming winter air campaign as a deliberate strategy to depopulate Ukrainian cities, which may intensify international pressure and debates over long-range weapons restrictions.

Watch For

Monitor Ukrainian strikes on Russian refinery sites and Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure ahead of winter. Watch for Ukrainian or independent verification of the alleged documents and any Russian response or denial. Also watch for shifts in Russian targeting patterns beyond energy to roads, schools, and hospitals, and for assessments of impact on Donbas lines.