Kyiv, Ukraine
Ukraine has announced plans to intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the move is a response to Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
According to Zelensky, Russia has adopted a strategy of targeting Ukraine’s energy, transportation, and logistics networks. He claimed that the objective of the Russian attacks is to damage civilian infrastructure in Ukraine ahead of the winter season.
Zelensky said documents obtained by Ukrainian intelligence indicate that Russia has plans to target roads, schools, hospitals, and other civilian facilities. He alleged that the strategy is aimed at forcing people to leave Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Over the past week, Russian drone and missile strikes have reportedly targeted energy, telecommunications, road, and railway networks. Bridges over the Dnipro River connecting eastern and western parts of Kyiv have also reportedly been targeted.
Zelensky said Ukraine would target Russia’s energy infrastructure, particularly oil refineries, because oil revenues provide Russia with significant funds to support its war effort.
U.S. President Donald Trump had urged Zelensky to stop attacks on Russian oil facilities, citing concerns about their potential impact on global diesel prices. However, Zelensky said there has been no indication from Russia of a ceasefire or meaningful negotiations.
Ukraine is also concerned about potential Russian missile and drone attacks ahead of winter. Zelensky said Russia has a large stockpile of ballistic missiles and is also deploying new jet-powered Shahed drones.
