Ukraine plans to step up attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as a new Russian strategy targeting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure ahead of winter.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents indicating that Moscow was preparing a broader campaign against infrastructure, logistics and civilian facilities, with the aim of putting pressure on residents to leave Kyiv and other cities.
He said Ukraine would respond by targeting Russian energy facilities that help finance the war, particularly oil refineries, while insisting that Ukrainian forces would not deliberately target civilian sites.
“We have to respond in any way,” Zelenskyy said, arguing that attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure should be met with pressure on Russia’s energy sector.
The escalation comes after a series of Russian attacks that have killed civilians and damaged infrastructure in Ukraine, including a major bridge in Kyiv. Moscow has said its strikes are retaliatory.
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was strengthening its air defence capabilities and developing new weapons as it prepares for another difficult winter. Kyiv faces growing concern over Russian attacks on electricity, heating and water infrastructure, while Russia is also dealing with the effects of repeated Ukrainian strikes on its refining sector.
The latest developments point to a renewed battle over energy infrastructure as both sides prepare for the winter campaign.
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