Selenskij: Ukraine increases attacks on Russian oil refineries

Selenskyj: Ukraine increases attacks on Russian oil refineries According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, Ukraine wants to increase its attacks on oil refineries in Russia. This is a reaction to a new Russian tactic to move the inhabitants of Kyiv and other cities to flee, Zelenskyj told the news agency Reuters in an interview published on Saturday. "Attacks on our energy" must be met with attacks "on their energy," said Selenskyj. "Especially on oil refineries," Selenskyj emphasized and added: "That is what brings them money for this war." Selenskyj explained that documents about a "new doctrine" from Russian President Vladimir Putin were provided to Ukrainian intelligence services. "We have seen documents and we know that they allow attacks on infrastructure (...) roads, schools, hospitals, to put people under pressure to leave the capital and other cities," said the Ukrainian president. Russia had recently attacked the bridges over the Dnipro River in Kyiv for the first time. The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on foreigners to leave Kyiv. Representatives of Ukraine explained that Russia has stored hundreds of ballistic missiles to target the Ukrainian electricity and water supply in the coming winter. "Do not attack civilian targets" Selenskyj explained that Ukraine will not attack civilian targets in contrast to Russia. Russia also denies targeting civilian objects. He also said that Putin wants to demonstrate strength by expanding attacks on civilian targets, as his troops are losing ground on the front. Ukraine, however, is recording successes there. In the counteroffensive "Vivaldi," 140 square kilometers in Donbas were recaptured. Against fast Russian drones, fighter jets are used, for which 20-millimeter ammunition is increasingly lacking. He also pressed for the rapid completion of the domestic FP-9 missile, which can reach Moscow according to the manufacturer's specifications. "And the FP-9 will be ready this autumn, I am sure." Selenskyj puts peace before economic relations According to Zelenskyj, there are no expectations for a rapid resumption of peace talks. This is because there are no signs that Putin is interested in it. The US government of President Donald Trump is trying to end the war. Trump had asked Ukraine to spare Russian oil facilities, as the US is indirectly affected by rising diesel prices on the world market. Selenskyj warned the US against normalizing relations with Russia prematurely. He said that the resumption of diplomatic and economic relations must be for peace: "Because peace is more important than any kind of economy." The financing of its own defense is secured, said Zelenskyj. Ukraine has developed a plan with European partners to close a gap in the defense budget of 27 billion dollars for this year. This includes budget shifts, bilateral aid, and funds from the portion of a loan from the European Union for the coming year of 90 billion euros.