Edward Marchesi Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kiev will intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries after obtaining documents showing Moscow's new strategy aimed at hitting a broad range of civilian targets. The move comes as Ukrainian forces are advancing in the "Vivaldi" counteroffensive in Donbas.
According to information gathered by Ukrainian intelligence agencies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a sort of "doctrine" authorizing attacks on logistical infrastructure, roads, schools, and hospitals, with the explicit goal of forcing the population to abandon Kiev and surrounding cities. Zelensky emphasized that this plan is intended to demonstrate strength as Russian troops suffer mounting losses in a key area of the front.
Targeted attacks on refineries: Samara, Oryol, and the Black Sea
In a statement posted on social media, Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in the southern Samara region overnight. Damage was also reported to a drone launch and storage facility in the Oryol region and to a commercial ship in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian authorities estimate that the raids damaged more than 45 percent of Russian refining capacity, causing fuel rationing in some areas.
US President Donald Trump called Zelensky, demanding he suspend the actions against refineries, arguing that these attacks were driving up global diesel prices. Despite the pressure, Ukraine reiterated the need to cut off the Moscow regime's financial revenues, declaring that "oil pipelines are a key source of war money."
Counteroffensive in Donbas and development of ballistic weapons
Operation Vivaldi allowed Ukrainian troops to recapture approximately 140 km² (about 54 square miles ) of territory in eastern Donbas, an area Russia considers essential to any peace agreement. At the same time, Ukraine launched the first FP-7 tactical ballistic missile , produced by Fire Point, with a range of approximately 250 km . Zelensky has pressed the company to accelerate production of the next model, the FP-9 , which is expected to be operational by the fall.
The warfare landscape has been further complicated by the advent of Shahed -type jet-powered drones , which are faster than traditional propeller-driven ones and are severely taxing Ukrainian air defenses. Kiev forces claim to have neutralized approximately 60% of these new drones, but stocks of 20mm ammunition for F-16 and MiG fighters are dwindling. To fill the gap, Ukraine expects its first shipment of short-range anti-aircraft missiles in the second half of October and is testing five new prototype interceptor drones, two of which have demonstrated a 30% success rate.
European support and financial perspectives
During a meeting in Brussels, Ukrainian representatives secured a funding commitment to cover a $27 billion gap in Kyiv 's defense budget . The plan includes the reallocation of national funds, bilateral assistance, and the use of credits from the next tranche of a €90 billion EU loan . Furthermore, Ukraine has begun negotiations for new drone orders through 2027, thus ensuring the operational continuity of its air forces.
Despite diplomatic efforts—including the proposal for a US-brokered energy ceasefire—Putin has rejected any dialogue initiative, arguing that Russia will continue to strike Russian targets unless Kiev ceases its actions. The rhetoric has also shifted to the nuclear threat, with warnings regarding the Kaliningrad exclave and the use of "all types of weapons."