Ukraine’s intelligence agencies have uncovered documents indicating that Russia has adopted a “new doctrine” aimed at conducting military strikes on civilian infrastructure as winter approaches. In light of this development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries, while maintaining a commitment to avoid civilian targets.
Zelenskyy reported that these documents reveal directives from Russian President Vladimir Putin that authorize a broader range of attacks on civilian facilities, including infrastructure and logistics in urban areas. “We have seen documents that allow them to strike cities, villages, roads, schools, and hospitals,” he stated, emphasizing that the objective is to pressure people to evacuate from Kyiv and other urban areas.
According to Zelenskyy, this change in military strategy is driven by Putin’s desire to project strength amid setbacks on the battlefield and increasing casualties in key regions. Ukrainian forces have recently launched drone attacks that resulted in smoke rising from oil refineries in Russia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement advising foreign nationals to leave Kyiv, asserting that Moscow will continue its campaign of targeted strikes as a response to recent Ukrainian actions against Russia. Both sides, however, maintain that they are not intentionally targeting civilians.
In the Donbas region, Zelenskyy reported that a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive, known as “Vivaldi,” has reclaimed approximately 140 square kilometers and is still progressing. Russia insists on full control of Donbas as a prerequisite for any peace negotiations.
Recently, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has made efforts to revive discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, which has been described as Europe’s most brutal since World War II. Trump previously urged Ukraine to avoid striking Russian oil facilities, citing the impact on global diesel prices.
Despite this, Zelenskyy, amidst the sound of air raid sirens near his office, indicated that there have been no signs from Russia suggesting an interest in peace negotiations or a ceasefire regarding energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian capital has faced a series of drone and missile attacks from Russia, targeting energy and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as critical transportation routes, including bridges over the Dnipro River.
In response to these attacks, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Ukraine to retaliate, particularly against Russian energy resources, while ensuring that civilian infrastructure remains protected. “We must respond in any way possible,” he stated, asserting that the focus would be on Russian oil facilities that financially support the war effort, while avoiding indiscriminate strikes on civilian areas.
Following an invitation from the Trump administration for Putin to attend the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, Zelenskyy urged the U.S. not to normalize relations with Russia until peace is restored. He expressed a willingness to meet with Putin during the G20 talks but cautioned against the belief that Russia would cease its aggression simply by gaining control over Donbas. “It’s not fair just to normalize,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of prioritizing peace over economic relations.
While the U.S. has suggested resuming trilateral talks in the UAE soon, Zelenskyy noted that specific details regarding the timing and location of these discussions remain undecided. Ukrainian officials have also raised concerns about Russia’s accumulation of ballistic missiles in preparation for a potential winter assault on energy and water infrastructure, recalling the severe disruptions experienced last winter when Russian attacks left many regions without power and heat for extended periods.
Since the summer, Russia has escalated its use of fast, relatively inexpensive jet-powered Shahed drones, posing challenges for Ukraine’s air defense systems, which have struggled to intercept these rapidly moving threats.
