Ukraine will increase its attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's new winter strategy aimed at forcing civilians to abandon cities, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. The move marks a significant escalation in the Ukraine war, with Kyiv targeting energy infrastructure that funds Russia's military efforts.
Zelenskyy Announces Shift in Strategy
In an interview with Reuters, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine's intelligence service has obtained documents showing Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a new doctrine allowing attacks on a broader range of civilian targets ahead of winter. "We saw documents and we know that they allow them to attack infrastructure, logistics, and especially to attack in the cities, in the villages, everywhere, roads, schools, hospitals," he said. "To pressure people to leave the capital, leave different cities: this is the goal of the operation."
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Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine must respond in kind, but will not target civilians. "We have to respond in any way [we can]. With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refiners: what gives money to them for this war," he stated. "But we will not respond, of course … on any civilian objects."
Recent Attacks and Impact
Russian attacks on Saturday killed at least six people and damaged Kyiv's Northern Bridge, disrupting traffic for a third day. Moscow's latest efforts aim to complicate life in the Ukrainian capital, having previously hit apartment blocks, supermarket warehouses, gas stations, data centres, and other civilian targets.
Ukraine's counteroffensive, dubbed Vival, continues to push back against Russian forces. The conflict has increasingly focused on energy infrastructure, with both sides targeting facilities critical to the other's war effort.
Comparison of Energy Infrastructure Attacks
| Side | Target Type | Frequency (Recent Months) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Oil refineries | Increasing | Disrupts Russian military funding |
| Russia | Civilian infrastructure | High | Displaces civilians, disrupts daily life |
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine plans to intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries to counter Moscow's winter strategy.
- Russia's new doctrine targets a wider range of civilian infrastructure to pressure civilians to flee.
- Ukraine will avoid targeting civilians, focusing solely on military and energy targets.
- Recent Russian attacks have killed civilians and damaged critical infrastructure in Kyiv.
FAQ
Why is Ukraine increasing attacks on oil refineries?
Ukraine aims to disrupt a key source of funding for Russia's war effort. By targeting oil refineries, Kyiv hopes to degrade Russia's ability to finance its military operations.
What is Russia's new winter strategy?
Russia's new doctrine involves attacking a broader range of civilian targets, including infrastructure, logistics, roads, schools, and hospitals, to pressure people to leave cities like Kyiv.
Will Ukraine target civilian objects?
No, President Zelenskyy has explicitly stated that Ukraine will not target civilian objects. The focus remains on military and energy infrastructure.
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