Zelenskyy Draws New Battle Line as Ukraine Threatens Russia’s Oil Refineries

Ukraine is warning that it could expand its military campaign deeper inside Russia, with oil refineries emerging as a key target as Kyiv braces for another difficult winter.

The warning follows days of drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, where bridges, power facilities and other critical infrastructure have been hit.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Reuters that Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin had approved what Kyiv described as a “new doctrine.” The alleged policy would permit Russian forces to target a broader range of infrastructure and other facilities ahead of the winter season.

Zelenskyy claimed the strategy was intended to create pressure on civilians and encourage people to leave Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

The Kremlin had not immediately responded to the allegation. Moscow has maintained that its attacks are retaliatory and has rejected accusations that it deliberately targets civilians.

Kyiv Braces for More Winter Attacks

The latest escalation has raised concerns in Kyiv as Russia continues to strike infrastructure considered essential to daily life.

Russian drones and missiles have targeted energy and communications facilities, as well as roads and railway links. Bridges spanning the Dnipro River have also been attacked, affecting movement between different parts of the capital.

The situation has brought back memories of the previous winter, when Russian attacks caused prolonged disruptions to electricity and heating in several parts of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would retaliate against Russian energy infrastructure, arguing that Moscow’s attacks had left Kyiv with little choice.

“If they attack our energy, we have to respond on their energy,” Zelenskyy told Reuters, pointing specifically to oil refineries as a priority.

According to the Ukrainian president, such facilities are important because they generate revenue that supports Russia’s military campaign. Ukraine has previously carried out attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, although the strikes have raised concerns about possible consequences for international fuel supplies.

Pressure From Washington

Kyiv’s position comes despite calls from US President Donald Trump for Ukraine to avoid attacks on Russian oil facilities.

Trump has argued that strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have contributed to increased global diesel prices.

Zelenskyy, however, said he had seen no evidence that Putin was prepared to make meaningful progress toward peace negotiations or a ceasefire that would halt attacks on energy facilities.

On the battlefield, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces were continuing a counteroffensive known as “Vivaldi,” claiming that about 140 square kilometres had been recovered in the eastern Donbas region.

At the same time, Ukrainian officials expect Russia to mount another major winter offensive targeting electricity and water infrastructure.

Ukraine Expands Air Defences

Ukraine is also seeking new ways to counter Russia’s expanding drone capabilities.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces have been using F-16s and MiG aircraft to intercept newer jet-powered Shahed drones, while work continues on less expensive interceptor drones and additional air-defence systems.

Ukraine has also started deploying its domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile and is working toward developing the longer-range FP-9, Reuters reported.

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts remain ongoing. Washington is attempting to restart negotiations, while Zelenskyy has indicated that he would be prepared to meet Putin for peace talks.

Kyiv, however, remains opposed to restoring normal relations with Moscow before the war comes to an end.

With winter approaching, the conflict is increasingly threatening to extend beyond the traditional battlefield. Ukraine’s latest warning suggests that Russian attacks on critical infrastructure could be met with strikes on energy facilities deep inside Russia, raising the possibility of another dangerous escalation in the war.

Source: Outlook