Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in retaliation for Moscow’s escalated airstrikes, described as a new military doctrine that targets a wide range of civilian infrastructure across cities and villages. This Russian strategy aims to pressure residents in Kyiv and other urban centers to abandon their homes ahead of winter. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s response would specifically target energy assets fueling Russia’s war effort, without deliberately striking civilian objects, despite the increasing intensity of Russian attacks on utilities, transport links, and telecom networks.

The increased bombardment from Russia comes as Ukraine is conducting a counteroffensive operation named “Vivaldi,” which has reclaimed approximately 140 square kilometers in the eastern Donbas region. Donbas remains a critical strategic area, with Russia insisting on complete control as a precondition for peace talks. While the U.S. administration has tried to promote de-escalation and urged Ukraine to avoid hitting Russian energy facilities to prevent global fuel price spikes, Zelenskyy noted no indications from Moscow showing willingness to halt attacks or engage genuinely in peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy also highlighted the challenges Ukraine faces in defending against persistent drone attacks launched by Russia, which has deployed fast and inexpensive jet-powered Shahed drones. Ukrainian air defenses are stretched thin, relying heavily on fighter jets like F-16s and MiGs, which have been able to intercept about 60% of these drones. To bolster their defenses, Ukraine plans to receive new air defense missiles and is actively developing interceptor drones with modest initial success, aiming to enhance these capabilities before the harsh winter period.

On the diplomatic and financial front, Zelenskyy called on the West, particularly the U.S., not to normalize relations with Russia without ensuring a genuine ceasefire and peace agreement. Ukraine is working closely with European partners to address a $27 billion defense budget shortfall for 2026, with a combination of reallocations, direct aid, and EU loans. He also revealed the introduction of Ukraine’s domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile and expressed confidence that a longer-range FP-9 missile, capable of striking Moscow, will be ready by autumn, reflecting Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities amid ongoing conflict.