Zelensky reminds Russia who struck first, cites 'beastly desire' to escalate

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is surprised by Russia's "beastly desire" to escalate daily attacks, reminding that Russia was the first to strike, including against Nova Poshta and Ukrposhta warehouses. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelensky said Russia strikes civilian infrastructure like data centers and mobile communications, not military targets, and questioned how Putin expects Ukraine not to respond. He noted Ukraine gave a "dignified response" regarding Wildberries and dismissed the idea that simply asking Putin would end the war. The remarks came after Russia's Defense Ministry claimed Sunday it was striking Kyiv and other cities "in response" to Ukrainian actions, threatening intensified attacks. Zelensky told Reuters on October 3 that Ukraine would increase strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's air campaign aimed at forcing people to flee cities.