Russia Threatens Intensified Strikes After Zelensky Vows to Target Oil Refineries
- Russian Defense Ministry officials threatened to intensify strikes against Ukrainian military, industrial, and infrastructure targets after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that his armed forces would continue targeting...
- The Russian Defense Ministry issued a formal statement on Telegram declaring that attacks on military-industrial facilities and related infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions would be intensified.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky told Reuters that Ukrainian forces will persist in striking Russian oil refineries to counter the invading country's ongoing wave of airstrikes.
Russian Defense Ministry officials threatened to intensify strikes against Ukrainian military, industrial, and infrastructure targets after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that his armed forces would continue targeting Russian oil refineries. The retaliatory threats arrive during the fifth year of the war, as United Nations data shows Russian attacks killed at least 372 Ukrainian civilians and injured at least 2,349 last month.
Russian Defense Ministry Threatens Intensified Strikes
The Russian Defense Ministry issued a formal statement on Telegram declaring that attacks on military-industrial facilities and related infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions would be intensified. According to reporting from Politico, Moscow placed full blame for the impending destruction on the Ukrainian leadership. The people of Ukraine should blame only the head of the Kyiv regime for this,
the ministry stated, adding that President Volodymyr Zelensky bears full personal and political responsibility for this.
Zelensky Vows Continued Oil Refinery Attacks
President Volodymyr Zelensky told Reuters that Ukrainian forces will persist in striking Russian oil refineries to counter the invading country’s ongoing wave of airstrikes. Zelensky explained that Ukrainian intelligence services obtained documents showing Russian President Vladimir Putin issued guidance for his military to broaden its attacks on civilian targets ahead of the winter. According to Zelensky, the documents reveal plans to hit roads, schools, and hospitals to pressure residents into abandoning different cities and the capital.
Trump Urges Ukraine to Halt Refinery Strikes
President Donald Trump previously urged Ukraine to halt its refinery strikes due to concerns over global fuel shortages and rising diesel prices. Trump argued that refinery disruptions drive diesel costs higher for consumers and businesses, though Zelensky defended the strategy as a necessary response to cut off the financial engine of Moscow’s military operations. To help ease tight global fuel supplies, G7 nations announced a coordinated release of 100 million barrels of oil and fuel products.
Trump Enlists Envoys to Broker Peace Agreement
President Trump enlisted special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to broker a peace agreement between Putin and Zelensky, though those diplomatic efforts have not yet succeeded. Meanwhile, Zelensky reported last month that Trump greenlit Ukraine building Patriot missiles. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly requested authorization to construct the missiles to protect itself against Kremlin drone and missile attacks.