KYIV — Ukraine announced plans to intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to a recently uncovered Russian military doctrine that broadens the scope of attacks on civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined these plans in an interview on October 3, emphasizing that Ukraine would avoid targeting civilians despite Moscow’s reported shift.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s intelligence services obtained documents revealing that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a "new doctrine" allowing strikes on a wide range of civilian targets, including roads, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure, with the intent to pressure residents into abandoning Kyiv and other cities ahead of winter. He characterized this move as an attempt by Putin to project strength amid battlefield setbacks, particularly in eastern Ukraine.
The Kremlin declined immediate comment, but the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated calls for foreign nationals to evacuate Kyiv amid ongoing and systematic retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian targets, which Moscow blames for attacks inside its own territory. Both sides deny targeting civilians intentionally.
Zelenskyy also reported continued Ukrainian gains in the eastern Donbas region as part of the ongoing counteroffensive, code-named “Vivaldi,” which has reclaimed approximately 54 square miles from Russian control. Russia has repeatedly insisted that full control of Donbas is a prerequisite for any peace negotiations.
Efforts by the United States to revive peace talks have increased recently, with the Trump administration encouraging restraint on targeting Russian oil facilities, warning that such attacks have contributed to global fuel price surges. Zelenskyy, however, indicated no clear sign from Russia of willingness to discuss ceasefires or peace talks on energy infrastructure, despite ongoing drone and missile assaults on Kyiv’s energy, telecommunications, and transportation networks.
In response to Moscow’s intensified attacks, Ukraine plans to target Russian energy assets but maintains it will not strike civilian infrastructure indiscriminately. “We have to respond in any way we can,” Zelenskyy said, pointing to oil refineries as key sources of funding for Russia’s war effort.
Zelenskyy also addressed the broader diplomatic context, cautioning against normalizing relations with Russia before a genuine peace is secured. He expressed openness to meeting Putin at the upcoming G20 summit but warned that Russia would likely continue hostilities even if granted control over Donbas. He urged Western nations, including the United States, not to harbor unrealistic expectations about Russia’s intentions.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has been grappling with a surge in Russian drone attacks, particularly using jet-powered Shahed drones launched in large numbers daily. Ukrainian defenses have relied heavily on fighter jets, including F-16s and MiGs, to intercept around 60% of these drones but face shortages of 20mm ammunition. To address this, Ukraine is enhancing electronic jamming capabilities and expects to receive shipments of small air defense missiles capable of engaging Shahed drones as early as mid-October.
Zelenskyy reported progress on domestic development of interceptor drones, with five models in testing; early trials showed limited success but offered promise for improved counter-drone defense. He also linked recent hybrid attacks and drone incursions in Europe to Russian efforts to sow fear and weaken continental support for Ukraine. Russian authorities deny these accusations, attributing them to anti-Russian hysteria.
On the financial front, Ukraine and European partners recently secured funding to support ongoing defense needs into 2027, aiming to close a $27 billion shortfall through a mix of reallocations, bilateral aid, and EU loan credits. Zelenskyy described this as a significant achievement for Ukraine’s war effort amid a challenging winter ahead.