Russia to Intensify Strikes on Ukraine Following Zelensky's Announcements on Refineries

On October 4, 2026, Russia announced it would intensify its strikes on Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine in response to Zelensky's pledge to increase attacks on Russian oil refineries. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that strikes against military, industrial facilities, and related infrastructure would be intensified. Zelensky had previously declared to Reuters that Ukraine would escalate its attacks on Russian refineries, citing Moscow's aerial strike policy aimed at forcing residents to leave Kyiv and other cities.