Ukrainian President Zelensky addresses the nation on military strategy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will escalate its attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to newfound military directives from the Kremlin, which aim to target a broader range of civilian infrastructure this winter.
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian intelligence has obtained documents indicating that the illegitimate president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has published a new military doctrine focused on attacking civilian facilities. This tactic is intended to pressure Ukrainians to evacuate major cities.
A report from The New York Times on October 2 stated that the Kremlin plans to unleash the most significant assault on Ukraine since the conflict began, potentially involving the use of up to 1,000 missiles, drones, and bombs. The goal appears to be to leave major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and possibly Lviv, without electricity, heating, or water supply.
“We have seen documents that allow them to target infrastructure, logistics, roads, schools, and hospitals to apply pressure on people to leave the capital and other cities,” President Zelensky remarked.
The changes in military strategy, as noted by Zelensky, stem from Putin’s desire to project strength during a period when Russian forces have been losing ground and experiencing significant casualties.
However, the president emphasized that Ukraine’s response to Russian attacks would not be aimed at civilian populations.
Context
- US President Donald Trump recently accused Ukraine of exacerbating the global diesel fuel shortage and rising prices, urging Zelensky to reduce the intensity of attacks. Following this, on September 30, the Russian media outlet “Agency” pointed out that Ukraine had allegedly paused strikes on Russian oil refineries. Nonetheless, The Guardian reported on October 1 that Ukraine continued its attacks on Russian oil processing plants.
