Zelensky vows Ukraine will strike Russian oil refineries after city bombardments

Zelensky vows Ukraine will strike Russian oil refineries after city bombardments Ukrainian intelligence has reportedly gathered documentation that Putin has authorised a ‘new doctrine’ to expand Russia’s military strikes - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine intends to intensify strikes against Russian oil refineries following a fresh campaign of bombardment by Moscow aimed at driving citizens out of Kyiv and major urban centres, while avoiding non-military targets. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian intelligence gathered documentation revealing that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has authorised a "new doctrine" expanding military strikes to encompass a significantly wider selection of non-military sites before winter sets in. "We saw documents and we know that they allow them to attack infrastructure, logistics, and especially to attack in the cities, in the villages, everywhere, roads, schools, hospitals," Zelenskiy told Reuters in an interview. "To pressure people to leave the capital, leave different cities: this is the goal of the operation." Zelensky explained that this strategic pivot stemmed from Putin's eagerness to project power as Russian forces suffer heavy casualties and yield territory in a crucial frontline sector. While the Kremlin did not offer immediate comment on Saturday, Russia's Foreign Ministry released a statement advising foreign citizens to evacuate Kyiv, maintaining that Moscow will persist in carrying out systematic strikes in response to recent attacks launched by Ukraine against Russian territory. Neither side admits to intentionally attacking civilians. Zelensky confirmed that an ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive, designated "Vivaldi", has successfully reclaimed roughly 140 sq km (54 sq miles) in the eastern Donbas region. Control over the whole of Donbas remains a core demand set out by Russia for any potential peace settlement. US President Donald Trump's administration has moved in recent weeks to reboot diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the four-year war, Europe's deadliest since World War Two. Last month, the US leader appealed to Ukraine to cease strikes on Russian oil facilities, arguing that such actions were driving up global diesel costs. However, speaking as air raid warnings echoed beyond the ornate halls of the presidential compound, Zelensky said there was no sign from Moscow that Putin harboured any genuine interest in diplomatic negotiations or a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. Throughout the past week, Kyiv has endured continuous bombardment from Russian missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles aiming for power, communications, road, and railway networks. In an unprecedented move, Russian strikes also targeted bridges spanning the Dnipro river, which connect eastern and western Kyiv. Although Ukraine will adapt its strategy in response to Moscow's tactics, Zelensky emphasised that non-military assets would not be struck indiscriminately. "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 etc: what gives money to them for this war," Zelensky said in English. "But we will not respond, of course, just like them, on any civilian objects." Following invitations extended to Putin by the Trump administration for December's G20 gathering in Miami and discussions regarding commercial agreements with Russian representatives, Zelenskiy implored Washington to refrain from normalising relations with Moscow prior to securing lasting peace. While expressing willingness to sit down with Putin at the G20 for peace discussions, Zelensky cautioned the US against falling for "illusions" that Russian aggression would cease merely if Moscow secured control over Donbas. "It's not fair just to normalise," said Zelensky, wearing his characteristic black T-shirt and military-style jacket. He stressed that restored economic and diplomatic links with Western powers must depend on Russia ending its combat operations: "Because peace is more important than any kind of economy." Although Washington has suggested reviving three-way talks in the United Arab Emirates in the coming weeks, Zelensky highlighted that a precise date and venue for these technical discussions remain unconfirmed. Officials in Kyiv have warned that Moscow has amassed hundreds of ballistic missiles in preparation for a winter campaign against power and water systems. During the previous winter, the harshest of the conflict, strikes repeatedly knocked out power and heating across large areas for days. Since summer, Russian forces have also deployed dozens of swift, low-cost jet-powered Shahed drones daily against Ukraine, creating severe difficulties for air defence crews whose existing interceptor drones lacked the speed required to engage them successfully. Zelensky explained that Ukraine had been compelled to rely on fighter jets, including F-16s and MiGs, to destroy roughly 60 per cent of the jet-powered drones, though stocks of 20 mm ammunition for these aircraft are becoming depleted. Kyiv is actively pursuing alternative countermeasures, such as expanding electronic warfare jamming capabilities, according to Zelensky. By late October, the nation expects its initial delivery of compact, inexpensive air defence missiles engineered to intercept the upgraded Shahed models. Zelensky recently disclosed that Ukraine is constructing five distinct interceptor drone designs targeting jet-powered Shaheds. Following a briefing with senior military leaders, he noted that initial trials on two prototype variants yielded a modest success rate near 30 per cent. "We'll have to scale it," he said. "I hope that with all these things, with all these elements, we'll find a way." This week, Ukraine confirmed the initial operational deployment of its indigenous FP-7 ballistic missile, which boasts an effective range of approximately 250 km (155 miles). Zelensky revealed he had personally contacted defence firm Fire Point to urge executives to expedite development of the longer-range FP-9 missile, which the manufacturer claims can reach Moscow. "I said to them, where is my FP-9?" said Zelensky, with a grin. "We need the FP-9. And the FP-9 will be (ready) this autumn, I'm sure." Zelensky asserted that recent Russian drone overflights and hybrid operations across Europe represent a deliberate attempt to demoralise European publics and erode international assistance for Ukraine. Certain European leaders are increasingly recognising this threat and taking a firmer stance, he noted. Moscow dismisses these allegations as groundless claims fuelled by anti-Russian sentiment. Following discussions with European leaders in Brussels this week, Ukraine secured the necessary financial support to purchase the drones required to sustain operations into early 2027, Zelensky said. Ukrainian negotiators have collaborated with European allies to address a $27 billion shortfall in Kyiv's defence funding for the current year. The strategy combines reshuffling domestic budgetary funds, receiving bilateral aid, and drawing on "money credits" from next year's allocation of a €90 billion EU loan package, Zelensky explained. "We will close this (gap). I think this is absolutely a big success for our country," he said. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments