Ukraine Will Hit Russian Refineries in Response to Moscow's ‘New Doctrine’ of Airstrikes

Ukraine plans to retaliate against Russian oil refineries following intelligence disclosures outlining Moscow’s intensified military strategy ahead of winter, even as diplomatic maneuvers and high-level visits unfold across the region. According to reporting by The Moscow Times, Ukrainian intelligence obtained documents detailing a new military doctrine approved by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This policy targets a broader array of civilian and state infrastructure—including schools, hospitals, roads, and logistics networks—with the explicit aim of pressuring residents to abandon Kyiv and other major urban centers.

The strategic shift from Moscow comes as Russian forces sustain heavy casualties and lose ground in key frontline areas, according to Ukrainian leadership. Over the course of the ongoing conflict, European nations and international observers have closely monitored the devastating human and economic tolls. Detailed reporting on broader geopolitical ramifications and regional security can be followed through World coverage.

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In response to the mounting destruction of energy and transport grids, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv must strike back against the sources funding Russia's military operations.

"We have to respond in any way (we can). With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refiners: what gives money to them for this war,"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, via The Moscow Times

Zelensky emphasized that while energy infrastructure remains a legitimate target to stem the flow of war financing, Ukrainian forces will continue to avoid indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations.

The escalation follows intense aerial bombardments by Russian forces targeting energy assets, roads, rail networks, and cross-river bridges connecting east and west Kyiv. Furthermore, the headquarters of Ukraine’s Secret Service was struck by Russian missiles, as reported by Aol. Concurrently, diplomatic channels have seen unusual activity. U.S. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow to engage with Russian leadership, prompting Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to announce a temporary three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv, set to begin at midnight on Sunday, according to reports citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Event / Measure	Details	Attribution / Source
Russian Strike Doctrine	Broadened attacks on infrastructure, schools, and hospitals to pressure citizens to leave cities.	The Moscow Times / The Times of India
Kyiv Temporary Ceasefire	Three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv starting midnight Sunday during U.S. Envoys' regional visit.	AOL.com
Diplomatic Expulsions	Expulsion of Hungarian diplomats by Moscow following Budapest's earlier expulsion of Russian staff.	Aol.com

Diplomatic friction has also rippled through Central Europe. According to Aol, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of an unspecified number of staff members from the Hungarian Embassy in Moscow and consulates in St Petersburg and Kazan. The move serves as a tit-for-tat response after Budapest expelled 10 Russian diplomats whom Hungary accused of engaging in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status. The diplomatic realignment follows the end of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s tenure and the rise of Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s centre-right government, which has redirected Hungary's primary alliances toward the European Union and NATO.

As the region navigates these overlapping military campaigns and diplomatic interventions, attention turns to the immediate implementation of the announced ceasefire and the technical-level talks proposed to take place in the United Arab Emirates. Observers and international partners remain watchful of whether these temporary lulls will translate into sustained negotiations or if winter weather will trigger a renewed wave of infrastructure attacks.