Ukraine to Intensify Strikes on Russian Refineries Citing New Putin Doctrine

Ukraine plans to escalate attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to what President Volodymyr Zelensky describes as a new Russian doctrine targeting civilian infrastructure. Zelensky told Reuters that Ukrainian intelligence obtained documents proving Vladimir Putin authorized strikes on a wider range of non-military targets, including roads, schools, and hospitals, to pressure the population to flee cities before winter.

Zelensky attributed the shift to Putin's desire to project strength while Russian forces suffer heavy losses and lose ground in a critical sector of the front line in the Donbas. He stated the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive, codenamed "Vivaldi," has recaptured approximately 140 square kilometers in the eastern Donbas region.

“We must answer... With attacks on their refineries: on what gives them money to wage this war.”

The Ukrainian leader revealed he urged domestic defense manufacturer Fire Point to accelerate development of the FP-9 missile, which could reach Moscow, following the first battlefield use of the 250-km range FP-7 ballistic missile. Zelensky insisted Ukraine must answer attacks on its energy infrastructure with strikes on Russian facilities that fund the war.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has pushed to revive peace talks and previously urged Kyiv to avoid hitting Russian energy sites, citing spikes in global diesel prices. Zelensky said he has seen no indication Putin is interested in genuine ceasefire talks regarding energy infrastructure. The Kremlin declined to comment Saturday, though the Russian Foreign Ministry advised foreign nationals to leave Kyiv ahead of potential retaliatory strikes.