Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated in his recent remarks that the country will soon escalate its attacks on Russian oil refineries. Zelensky pointed to information obtained from Ukrainian intelligence systems, indicating that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has issued orders to increase the scope of attacks on critical infrastructure, including oil refineries.
Targets of the Attacks and Their Consequences
Zelensky explained that these attacks are designed to force residents of Kyiv and other cities to leave their homes, emphasizing that Ukraine does not intend to harm civilians. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry previously described its attacks as "retaliatory" in response to Ukrainian actions and urged foreign nationals to leave Kyiv. Both sides emphasize that neither intends to deliberately harm civilians.
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Operation Vivaldi and Field Progress
Zelensky also referred to the progress of Ukrainian forces in an operation codenamed "Vivaldi" and claimed that approximately 140 square kilometers of Donbas areas have come back under Ukrainian control. This increase in control could help the country to focus more effectively on Russian oil infrastructure while exerting more pressure on Moscow.
These remarks come as the government of Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, is attempting to resume negotiations to end the war. Last month, Trump urged Ukraine not to attack Russian oil facilities. In response to this request, Zelensky stated that there are no signs of Moscow's readiness to negotiate peace or a ceasefire, especially regarding energy.
Intensifying attacks on Russian oil refineries, if successfully carried out, could have significant impacts on Russia's oil production capacity and, consequently, the global energy market. Oil refineries in Russia are considered the most critical infrastructure for supplying fuel and energy to the country, and any disruption in their operation could have serious consequences.
Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine is seeking new ways to strengthen its defensive capabilities and appears to be receiving more weapons and military equipment from Western countries. This support could help Ukraine withstand military threats from Russia, particularly regarding its energy infrastructure.
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