Russia says it will intensify Ukraine strikes after Zelensky refinery pledge

Russia’s defence ministry said on Sunday that it would increase attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, responding to Volodymyr Zelensky’s pledge to intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries. Reuters reported the ministry’s announcement on 4 October.

Competing accounts

The ministry named military facilities, defence industry sites and associated infrastructure as intended targets. It described recent Russian attacks as a response to Ukrainian strikes on civilian sites. That explanation is Moscow’s account, not an independently established justification.

Ukraine’s position

In a Reuters interview published on Saturday, Zelensky said Ukraine would continue targeting refineries in response to Russian attacks which, he argued, were intended to drive residents out of cities. He said Ukraine would not target civilians. Both countries deny deliberately attacking civilians.

A threat of further escalation

The announcement follows attacks on bridges across the Dnipro that have disrupted movement in Kyiv. Sunday’s statement adds a new declared intention; it does not confirm that the additional strikes have happened or establish their consequences.