Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
USO•Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine would intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow’s expanded airstrikes, while avoiding indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure. He said a Ukrainian counteroffensive had recaptured about 140 square kilometers in Donbas.
1. Ukraine vows refinery strikes
Zelenskiy said Ukraine would respond to Russia’s expanded airstrike campaign by targeting Russian oil refineries, which he said help fund the war. He said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents describing a “new doctrine” for attacks on a broader range of civilian targets, including infrastructure, roads, schools and hospitals. Zelenskiy said Ukraine would not target civilian objects indiscriminately.
2. Counteroffensive and talks
Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s counteroffensive, code-named Vivaldi, had recaptured around 140 square kilometers of the eastern Donbas region. He said he had seen no signs that Russian President Vladimir Putin was interested in peace talks or a ceasefire on energy infrastructure.
3. Air defense and funding
Zelenskiy said Ukrainian fighter aircraft were downing around 60% of Russia’s jet-powered drones, but supplies of 20 mm ammunition were running low. Ukraine expected its first shipment of small air-defense missiles capable of hitting the drones in the second half of October. He also said Ukraine and European partners had worked on a plan to address a $27 billion gap in Kyiv’s defense budget this year.
