Zelensky: Ukraine to Target Russian Oil Refineries in Response to New Moscow Airstrike Doctrine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine will double down on attacking Russian oil refineries in response to a new policy of airstrikes by Moscow designed to force people to abandon Kyiv and other cities, though he emphasized that Ukrainian forces will not target civilians. As air raid sirens blared outside the presidential offices in Kyiv on Oct. 3, Zelensky outlined how tactics are changing in the four-year-old conflict, Europe's bloodiest since World War Two, as reported by Reuters correspondents Daniel Flynn and Olena Harmash.

Intelligence Documents Reveal Moscow Airstrike Doctrine

Ukrainian intelligence has obtained documents indicating that Russian leader Vladimir Putin issued a new doctrine of military attacks targeting a much broader range of civilian infrastructure ahead of the winter season. Zelensky explained that these directives explicitly permit strikes on logistics, roads, schools, and hospitals to pressure residents into fleeing the capital and other urban centers. Over the past week, the capital has faced persistent attacks by Russian drones and missiles targeting energy, telecommunications, road, and rail assets. For the first time, strikes hit the bridges across the Dnipro River connecting eastern and western Kyiv.

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging foreign nationals to leave Kyiv, affirming that Moscow will continue systematic strikes in what it characterizes as retaliatory action for recent Ukrainian operations inside Russia. Both governments maintain that they do not deliberately target civilians.

Ukraine Recaptures 140 Square Kilometers in Donbas

Amid the aerial bombardment, an ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive code-named “Vivaldi” has recaptured approximately 140 square kilometers (54 square miles) in the eastern Donbas region. Russia maintains that controlling the entirety of Donbas remains a fundamental condition for any peace agreement. The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has recently sought to revive diplomatic talks to end the war. Last month, the U.S. leader urged Ukraine to refrain from hitting Russian oil installations due to rising global diesel prices.

Speaking to reporters, Zelensky noted that he has received no indications from Russia that Putin is interested in peace talks or a ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure. Consequently, Kyiv plans to retaliate directly against the financial engines of the Russian war machine. We have to respond in any way (we can). With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refiners: what gives money to them for this war, Zelensky said in English, reiterating that Ukrainian forces will strictly avoid civilian objects.

Zelensky Warns Against Normalizing Relations with Russia

The U.S. administration recently invited Putin to attend a G20 summit in Miami scheduled for December and engaged in business discussions with Russian envoys. Zelensky urged Washington not to normalize relations with Russia before securing a return to peace. While expressing willingness to meet Putin for peace talks at the G20, Zelensky warned against illusions that Russia would halt hostilities simply upon gaining control of Donbas.

Although the U.S. has proposed a resumption of trilateral technical talks in the United Arab Emirates in the coming weeks, Zelensky noted that an exact date and location remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian officials warn that Russia has stockpiled hundreds of ballistic missiles for a winter campaign targeting electricity and water systems, echoing the severe disruptions of the previous winter.

Jet-Powered Drones Deplete Ukrainian Fighter Aircraft Ammunition

Moscow has increasingly relied on fast, jet-powered Shahed drones, launching dozens daily. Ukrainian air defenses have struggled because older interceptor drones lack the speed to counter them. Ukraine has been forced to utilize F-16 and MiG fighter aircraft to shoot down roughly 60% of these jet-powered drones, depleting supplies of 20 mm ammunition. Kyiv is actively working to boost jamming capabilities, and officials expect the first shipment of small, affordable air defense missiles capable of hitting the Shaheds in the second half of October.

Peace is more important than any kind of economy, Zelensky said.

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