Ukraine to Step Up Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries — Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to a new Russian aerial campaign deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure with the aim of forcing people to flee Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

Putin's New Doctrine of Civilian Strikes

Zelensky told Reuters that Ukrainian intelligence obtained documents showing Putin issued a new military doctrine authorising strikes on a significantly wider range of civilian targets ahead of this winter. "We saw the documents and know that they permit striking infrastructure, logistics, roads, schools, hospitals — to force people to leave the capital and other cities. That is the goal of the operation," Zelensky said. He attributed Putin's change of tactics to his troops losing ground in Donetsk and wanting to appear strong despite heavy casualties.

Ukraine Will Not Strike Civilians

Despite announcing escalatory measures, Zelensky was explicit: Ukraine would not mirror Russia by hitting civilian targets. "We will react in every possible way. For their attacks on our energy, we must respond with strikes on their energy — primarily oil refineries. But we will not, like them, strike any civilian object."

Targeting Russia's War Revenues

Strikes on Russian oil refineries cut the revenue that funds Moscow's continued military operations. By targeting the economic foundation of Russia's war effort, Ukraine aims to constrain the Kremlin's capacity to sustain offensive pressure without inflicting harm on civilian populations.