Zelensky Vows Doubled Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries Amid Winter Bombings
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to double attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's intensifying infrastructure bombardment ahead of winter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his country will double its attacks on Russian oil refineries and raw material facilities in response to Moscow's new bombing campaign aimed at forcing civilians to abandon Kyiv and other major cities ahead of the winter season. According to Zelensky, Ukraine's security services have obtained documents confirming that President Vladimir Putin has approved a new military "doctrine" widely targeting infrastructure, roads, hospitals, and schools in an attempt to create internal pressure on the civilian population.
Energy Strikes and Counter-Response
Speaking amidst air raid sirens in Kyiv, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine is committed to responding to the targeted energy attacks against it, but will continue to avoid deliberate strikes on civilian targets. "We must respond in every possible way. To their attacks on our energy, we will respond on their energy—first and foremost oil refineries and everything that gives them money for this war," he stated in an interview.
The Ukrainian response comes despite a request last month by US President Donald Trump to refrain from striking Russian energy facilities due to concerns over global fuel prices. Alongside this, Ukraine is conducting a counter-offensive in the east, though Zelensky noted that no signals have arrived from Moscow regarding a genuine willingness to hold peace talks.
Technological and Diplomatic Developments
On the technological and aerial front, Ukraine is coping with complex challenges due to Russia's growing use of fast jet-powered Shahed drones. At the same time, Kyiv has developed and deployed its domestically produced ballistic missile "FP-7" with a range of about 250 km, and is accelerating the development of the successor model "FP-9".
"To their attacks on our energy, we will respond on their energy—first and foremost oil refineries and everything that gives them money for this war," said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In the diplomatic and economic sphere, following meetings held in Brussels, Ukraine secured the procurement and financing budgets needed to cover its $27 billion defense deficit heading into early 2027, combining internal budgetary resources and European loan funds.
