President Zelenskyy announced plans to intensify attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in response to Moscow's expanded campaign against Ukrainian cities.
Key facts
- •President Zelenskyy stated that Russian authorities have approved a policy to target civilian infrastructure to force residents to leave major cities.
- •Ukraine has begun deploying the domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile, which features a 250km range.
- •Ukrainian forces have recaptured roughly 140 square kilometers in the Donbas region during the Vivaldi counteroffensive.
- •Ukraine expects to receive a first shipment of small air defense missiles in the second half of October to counter jet-powered drones.
- •US President Donald Trump has advised against striking Russian oil facilities, citing potential impacts on global diesel prices.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will increase its strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to a new Russian military doctrine targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Zelenskyy stated that intelligence documents indicate Russia aims to pressure residents to abandon Kyiv and other cities by attacking logistics, roads, schools, and hospitals ahead of winter.
By the numbers
Strategic Response to Infrastructure Attacks
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must respond to Russian strikes on its energy grid by targeting the Russian oil facilities that finance the war effort. He emphasized that while Ukraine will intensify these operations, it will not target civilian objects. Recent Russian strikes in Ukraine have damaged energy and telecommunications infrastructure, bridges, and civilian buildings, including apartment blocks and warehouses.
Defense and Military Developments
Ukraine is currently working to address ammunition shortages for its F-16 and MiG fighter aircraft, which are currently intercepting approximately 60% of incoming jet-powered drones. To bolster defenses, Ukraine is increasing electronic warfare capabilities and expects a shipment of small, inexpensive air defense missiles in late October. Additionally, Ukraine has begun deploying its domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile, which has a range of 250km, with a longer-range FP-9 model expected by autumn.
Conflict Status and Diplomatic Context
Zelenskyy reported that a Ukrainian counteroffensive, known as Vivaldi, has recaptured approximately 140 square kilometers in the Donbas region. He noted that he sees no current indication that Moscow is prepared for peace negotiations or a halt to energy infrastructure attacks. The policy of targeting Russian oil facilities has reportedly caused friction with US President Donald Trump, who has urged Ukraine to refrain from such strikes due to concerns over global diesel prices.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Ukraine, Euromaidan Press.
