Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes, Zelenskiy says
USO•Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine would step up attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's expanded airstrikes, while avoiding civilian targets. He also said a Ukrainian counteroffensive had recaptured around 140 square kilometers in Donbas.
1. Refinery attacks planned
Zelenskiy said Ukraine would respond to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure by targeting Russian oil refineries and other energy assets, but would not deliberately strike civilian objects. He said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents outlining what he described as a Russian “new doctrine” to attack a broader range of targets, including infrastructure, roads, schools and hospitals.
2. Counteroffensive and talks
Zelenskiy said Ukraine's ongoing “Vivaldi” counteroffensive had recaptured around 140 square kilometers of eastern Donbas. He said he had seen no indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin was interested in peace talks or a ceasefire on energy infrastructure.
3. Air defense and funding
Zelenskiy said Ukrainian aircraft had downed around 60% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed 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 plans to close a $27 billion gap in this year's defense budget.
