UKRAINE THREATENS DEEPER STRIKES ON RUSSIA’S OIL WAR MACHINE AS AIR CAMPAIGN ESCALATES

October 4, 2026

KYIV — Ukraine has warned that it will intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to what President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as a new and broader Russian campaign of airstrikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Zelenskiy said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents indicating that Moscow was preparing to expand attacks against infrastructure, logistics networks, roads, schools and hospitals ahead of the winter. He accused Russia of seeking to pressure civilians into abandoning major cities.

In response, Kyiv plans to focus its retaliation on Russian energy facilities that contribute to Moscow’s ability to finance the war. Zelenskiy said Ukraine would target oil-related infrastructure while insisting that Ukrainian forces would not deliberately attack civilian facilities.

The warning comes after intensified Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, including strikes affecting energy and telecommunications infrastructure as well as road and rail links. Ukrainian officials are also preparing for a potentially severe winter campaign against electricity and water systems.

At the same time, Zelenskiy said Ukrainian forces had made gains in the eastern Donbas region and that military operations were continuing. He also said Kyiv was strengthening its air-defence capabilities to counter Russia’s increasing use of faster jet-powered drones.

The escalating exchange of attacks comes despite renewed international efforts to revive peace negotiations. Zelenskiy said Ukraine remained prepared for talks but saw no clear indication that Moscow was ready for a ceasefire, raising fears that the conflict could enter another dangerous phase before winter.