Ukraine to Intensify Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv will intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow’s expanding air campaign against Ukrainian cities, while stressing that Ukraine will not deliberately target civilians.

Zelenskiy told Reuters that Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents indicating Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a broader military strategy allowing strikes on infrastructure, transport networks, schools, hospitals and other sites. He said the campaign aims to pressure residents to leave Kyiv and other population centers ahead of winter.

Russia says its strikes are retaliation for Ukrainian attacks and denies intentionally targeting civilians.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine would answer Russian attacks on its energy system by targeting facilities that generate revenue for Moscow’s war effort, particularly oil refineries. The comments come despite U.S. President Donald Trump previously urging Kyiv to avoid Russian oil installations amid concerns over rising global diesel prices.

The Ukrainian leader also said a counteroffensive known as "Vivaldi" had reclaimed about 140 square kilometers of the eastern Donbas region and remained underway. Russia has demanded control of the entire Donbas as part of any peace agreement.

Zelenskiy said he had seen no evidence Putin was ready for serious peace negotiations or an energy ceasefire. He urged Washington not to normalize relations with Moscow without securing an end to hostilities, though he said he would be willing to meet Putin for talks at the G20 summit in Miami.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is preparing for intensified Russian drone and missile attacks this winter. Zelenskiy said F-16 and MiG fighters are currently destroying around 60% of Russia’s newer jet-powered drones, although supplies of 20 mm ammunition are running low.

Ukraine is also developing new interceptor drones and longer-range weapons. Zelenskiy said the domestically produced FP-9 ballistic missile, designed with enough range to potentially reach Moscow, should be ready this autumn.

On financing, Zelenskiy said Ukraine and European partners have developed plans to cover a $27 billion defence budget shortfall through domestic resources, bilateral assistance and funds linked to a €90 billion EU loan.