Zelensky said that Putin ordered the expansion of Russian troops to attack civilian targets, and Ukraine will step up attacks on Russian oil refineries.
Quick Look
- Ukrainian President Zelensky pointed out that Russian President Putin ordered military strikes to allow the Russian army to attack more civilian targets, including infrastructure, schools, hospitals, etc., with the purpose of pressuring civilians to leave the city.
- In order to counter Russia, Ukraine will intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries.
- The Kremlin did not respond, and the Russian Foreign Ministry said it would continue to systematically strike targets in retaliation for the Ukrainian attack.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Russia continues to launch air strikes against Ukraine, and Ukraine responds by attacking Russian energy facilities and infrastructure with drones. Zelensky pointed out that documents obtained by Ukrainian intelligence showed that Putin issued a new set of "military attack guidelines" before winter, allowing the Russian military to attack a wider range of civilian targets.
Zelensky pointed out on the 3rd that Russian President Putin ordered military strikes to allow the Russian army to attack more civilian targets. In order to counter Russia, Ukraine will intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries. (European News Agency)
Russia continues to launch air strikes against Ukraine, and Ukraine also responds by attacking Russian energy facilities and infrastructure with drones. Ukrainian President Zelensky pointed out on the 3rd that Russian President Putin ordered military strikes to allow the Russian army to attack more civilian targets. In order to counter Russia, Ukraine will intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries.
According to Reuters, Zelensky said that documents obtained by Ukrainian intelligence showed that Putin issued a new set of "military attack guidelines" before winter, allowing the Russian military to attack a wider range of civilian targets. Zelensky said: "We have seen these documents and we know that they are allowed to attack infrastructure, logistics facilities, especially cities, villages, everywhere, including roads, schools, hospitals. The purpose is to pressure people to leave the capital and leave different cities. This is the goal of this operation."
Please read on...
Zelensky said that the reason why Russia changed its policy was that Putin wanted to show a strong image when the Russian army was losing ground in key frontline areas and casualties were increasing. Zelensky said that Ukraine will respond to Moscow's change in tactics, but will not attack civilian infrastructure indiscriminately. "We must take all possible responses. They attack our energy, and we must fight back in the same way. The first is the oil refinery. What gives them the money to launch this war?" However, Zelensky also said: "But of course we will not attack any civilian targets like them."
The Kremlin did not respond to Ukraine's claims. Separately, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement calling on foreign citizens to leave Kyiv that Moscow would continue to "systematically" strike targets, saying the actions were in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russia in recent months.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine to increase frequency of drone attacks on Russian oil refineries in coming weeks
Likely · Within weeks
Russia will continue or expand attacks on Ukrainian urban infrastructure
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When exactly will Ukraine step up its attacks on Russian oil refineries?
- Will Russia further expand the scope of its attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine?
- What is the attitude of the international community towards the escalation of attacks on civilian targets by both parties?
