Russia to Intensify Strikes on Ukraine After Zelensky's Remarks

Russia's Defense Ministry said it will intensify strikes on military and industrial targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, following a statement by Vladimir Zelensky about increasing attacks on Russian oil refineries. The ministry's statement, reported by Interfax on October 4, said the intensified strikes are a direct response to Zelensky's announced plans. It placed full personal and political responsibility for the consequences on the Ukrainian leader, urging the Ukrainian population to blame him. The ministry also cited previous Ukrainian actions, including alleged attempts to disrupt Russian State Duma elections with drone attacks that killed six civilians, and a mass attack of over 1,600 drones on Moscow in September, as justification for its campaign.