Zelensky: Ukraine to Intensify Strikes on Russian Refineries in Response to Moscow's New Attack Doctrine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence has obtained documents showing that Russian leader Vladimir Putin approved a new military doctrine permitting broader strikes on civilian infrastructure, including roads, schools and hospitals. According to Zelensky, the goal is to pressure residents into abandoning Kyiv and other cities.

Zelensky said the shift is driven by Putin's desire to project strength at a time when Russian forces are losing ground in a key frontline region and suffering heavier casualties. Russia's Foreign Ministry has said Moscow will continue systematically striking targets, describing the attacks as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russia. Both sides deny deliberately targeting civilians.

Counteroffensive in Donbas

Zelensky said an ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive, code-named "Vivaldi," has recaptured around 140 square kilometers in the eastern Donbas region — territory Russia insists it must fully control as a condition for any peace deal.

Over the past week, Kyiv has faced persistent drone and missile attacks targeting energy, telecoms, road and rail infrastructure. For the first time, Russia has struck bridges across the Dnipro River connecting the city's east and west banks.

Zelensky said Ukraine would respond to Moscow's tactical shift by intensifying strikes on Russian oil refineries, which fund the war effort, but would not retaliate by indiscriminately targeting civilian infrastructure.

European support and peace talks

Zelensky urged the United States not to normalize relations with Russia without a guaranteed path to peace, warning that Russian control of Donbas would not end the war. He said he would be willing to meet Putin for peace talks but has received no signal Russia is interested in a ceasefire or in protecting energy infrastructure.

This week Ukraine used its domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile in combat for the first time. Following talks with European officials in Brussels, Ukraine has secured funding for drone orders needed to keep fighting into early 2027.