Zelensky: Putin ordered military to abandon rules of war in strikes on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Financial Times that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military commanders to abandon the rules of war in airstrikes on Ukraine. Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence obtained this information through intercepted communications. He said the order was given in September, around the time Russia intensified strikes on Kyiv, hitting schools, hospitals, and data centers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the newspaper that Russian forces do not target civilian infrastructure.

Zelensky also said Russia is preparing to intensify attacks on Ukraine's largest cities in an effort to isolate them before winter. Ukrainian and European intelligence officials told the Financial Times the targeted cities include Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv.

Nuclear facilities and a potential refugee wave

Ukrainian officials say Russia also plans to strike nuclear facilities to cut their power supply, increase pressure on Kyiv, and push Ukraine toward accepting Russia's demands in early 2027. Another objective of the air campaign, officials say, is to trigger a new wave of Ukrainian refugees into the European Union, straining countries where anti-immigrant sentiment is already rising.

In recent weeks, Russia has deployed jet-powered drones that are harder for Ukrainian air defenses to intercept. Zelensky said Ukraine is working to develop specialized interceptors but is hampered by engine shortages and a budget shortfall.

Zelensky said U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets have proven effective against Russia's new jet-powered drones, though about half of Ukraine's F-16 fleet spends long stretches undergoing repairs and maintenance in Europe. He also criticized the United States and European governments, saying they lack the political will to force Putin to end the war. Asked whether Ukraine's allies are doing everything possible to help, he said: "Not enough, of course, not enough."