President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced plans to target Russian oil refineries following intelligence reports of a new Russian military doctrine aimed at civilian infrastructure.
Key facts
- •President Zelenskiy stated Ukraine will target Russian oil refineries to disrupt the funding of the war.
- •Ukrainian intelligence reportedly obtained documents outlining a Russian plan to target civilian infrastructure to force evacuations.
- •Russia has recently targeted bridges across the Dnipro River for the first time.
- •Zelenskiy reported that a Ukrainian counteroffensive, codenamed 'Vivaldi', has recaptured approximately 140 square kilometers in the Donbas region.
- •The Russian Foreign Ministry described its current strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine will intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to a new Russian military doctrine. Zelenskiy stated that intelligence documents indicate Moscow plans to target a broader range of civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and logistics, to pressure residents to flee Kyiv and other cities. While Ukraine intends to retaliate against Russian energy assets, Zelenskiy emphasized that the country will not target civilian objects.
Russian Military Strategy and Doctrine
According to Zelenskiy, the shift in Russian tactics is driven by President Vladimir Putin's desire to project strength while Russian forces face heavy casualties and territorial losses in the Donbas region. Intelligence reports suggest the new doctrine aims to force population displacement by attacking roads, rail infrastructure, and energy assets. Recent Russian strikes have included attacks on bridges across the Dnipro River, marking a new development in the conflict.
Diplomatic and Strategic Context
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that its strikes are retaliatory for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. Meanwhile, the U.S. administration has attempted to revive peace talks to end the four-year-old conflict. Zelenskiy noted that he has received no indication from Russia that Putin is interested in peace negotiations or a ceasefire regarding energy infrastructure. Previously, the U.S. had urged Ukraine to avoid hitting Russian oil installations 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 Ukrainska Pravda (English), Hindustan Times World.
