Ukraine to Intensify Strikes on Russian Refineries After Moscow's New Airstrike Policy

Ukraine will intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's new policy of broader airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, while vowing not to target civilians. Zelenskiy cited intelligence documents showing Putin authorized strikes on schools, hospitals, and logistics to pressure residents to flee Kyiv and other cities. He said the shift aims to project strength as Russia loses ground in the Donbas, where Ukraine's "Vivaldi" counteroffensive has recaptured 140 sq km. The US has urged restraint on oil strikes due to diesel prices, but Zelenskiy sees no Russian interest in peace talks. Kyiv is developing new interceptor drones and expects its FP-9 ballistic missile this autumn, while European partners help plug a $27 billion defense budget gap.