Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced on Saturday that he will continue attacks on Russian oil refineries. This decision was made in response to what he described as Moscow's new strategy to target major Ukrainian cities with intense airstrikes.
Increase in Attacks on Civilian Targets
Ukraine has accused the Kremlin of intensifying attacks on civilian targets in recent days to force residents of urban areas to leave before winter. In the past two days, Russian forces have targeted two major bridges over the Dnipro River in the capital, Kyiv.
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Zelensky's Explanation of Russia's Strategy
Zelensky stated in an interview with a news agency that Ukrainian intelligence has uncovered details of a "new doctrine" from Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. He warned that these documents allow Russian forces to attack infrastructure, roads, schools, and hospitals to increase pressure on people to leave the capital and other cities.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will respond in any way it can, and his priority is to attack oil refineries that provide financial resources for the war against Ukraine. He also stated that Ukraine will certainly not attack civilian targets like Russia does.
Attacks on Kyiv Bridges
This week, for the first time, Moscow has attacked bridges located in Kyiv that connect the east and west of the city. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, announced on Saturday that the northern bridge was hit by a Russian airstrike, injuring two people in the incident.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also warned foreign diplomats and citizens in Kyiv on Saturday to leave the city, stating that those who ignore this warning put themselves at serious risk.
In the years following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Kyiv with airstrikes. Moscow has previously denied allegations of systematically targeting civilians during bombings.
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