Ukraine's Zelenskyy Escalates Energy War, Vows More Strikes on Russian Refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Oct. 5, 2026, that Ukraine will intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in retaliation for Moscow's expanded strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. The escalation threatens global diesel and winter power supplies. In an interview with Reuters, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence shows Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a broader targeting strategy ahead of winter, encompassing energy, logistics, roads, schools and hospitals. He stated Ukraine will strike Russian energy assets — "primarily refineries, because these facilities fund them" — while avoiding indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Russia's Foreign Ministry said its strikes respond to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory; both sides deny targeting civilians. The U.S. last month urged Kyiv to reduce strikes on Russian oil and gas facilities over concerns about rising global diesel prices. Russia extended diesel, bunker fuel and gasoil export restrictions through late October. Kyiv this week announced the first combat use of its domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile, with a range of 250 kilometers.