Russia Threatens Escalated Strikes on Kyiv, Blames Ukraine for Attacks

Russia's Defense Ministry announced plans to intensify strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, claiming these attacks are retaliation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statements about hitting Russian oil infrastructure. The ministry blamed Ukraine for attacks on Russian targets. The Russian ministry labeled Ukrainian strikes as "terrorist" and cited an attack on Belgorod that hit residential areas, causing civilian casualties and property damage. It threatened stronger strikes on military and industrial facilities in Kyiv and other regions, placing responsibility for potential consequences on Zelenskyy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia would continue fighting if peaceful goals prove impossible, warning that those planning a "devastating blow" against Russia would pay a price. A recent Russian strike on Kyiv damaged a heating pipeline, and on October 4, the North Bridge was hit.