Moscow says it will step up strikes on Ukraine after Kyiv vows to hit Russian oil refineries

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Moscow and Kyiv Trade Strikes as Russia Warns Diplomats to Leave

   Moscow has pledged to intensify military strikes across Ukraine following Kyiv's vow to increase drone attacks on Russian oil refineries. The escalating exchange involves heavy infrastructure damage, including a second bridge hit by Russian forces, and follows a massive drone assault that targeted the Moscow region. Meanwhile, Russian authorities warned foreign diplomats and citizens to evacuate Kyiv due to imminent strike threats, though European Union officials confirmed that no member state embassy is planning to leave.

   Why it matters

   The sharp escalation follows a winter strategy by Moscow that has targeted vital Ukrainian infrastructure and prompted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to announce a retaliatory doubling down on Russian economic targets. President Vladimir Putin has told military leaders to abandon the rules of war according to Zelenskyy, heightening the urgency of the conflict. The friction has directly drawn in diplomatic missions as Moscow issues explicit warnings for foreigners to vacate Kyiv.

   What is confirmed

   • Moscow stated it will step up strikes on Ukraine after Kyiv vowed to hit Russian oil refineries.
   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Putin has told military leaders to abandon the rules of war.
   • Russia hit a second bridge during the exchange of strikes between Kyiv and Moscow.
   • Russia urged foreign diplomats and foreigners to leave Kyiv over strike threats.
   • EU ambassador Katarina Mathernova confirmed that no EU member state embassy is leaving Kyiv.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine launched 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds fired at Moscow in an attack that killed two people and wounded 20.
   • Kyiv is working on better jamming capabilities, interceptors for Shahed drones, and ballistic missiles that can reach Moscow.

   What to watch next

   • Whether European embassies alter their staffing or security posture in Kyiv
   • The execution and scale of anticipated Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian oil refineries
   • Further implementation of Moscow's intensified strike campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure
   Sources used for this update (27)

   1. www.cbsnews.com — Ukraine launches 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds fired at Moscow in what mayor describes as "largest ever" attack
   2. Financial Times — Putin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskyy says
   3. Al Jazeera — Five killed as Kyiv and Moscow trade strikes, Russia hits second bridge
   4. Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
   5. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv to increase oil refinery attacks because of Moscow’s winter strategy, Zelenskyy says
   6. www.theguardian.com — Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv to increase oil refinery attacks because of Moscow’s winter strategy, Zelenskyy says
   7. Bloomberg.com — Russia Again Strikes Kyiv Bridge as Infrastructure Attacks Widen
   8. The Moscow Times — Russia Pledges to Continue Massive Strikes on Kyiv, Urges Foreign Diplomats to Leave City
   9. Reuters — Russia to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskiy interview
   10. yahoo.com — German and EU ambassadors vow to stay in Kiev despite Russian warning
   11. Yahoo — EU responds to Russian threats against European diplomats in Kyiv
   12. politico.eu — Moscow says it will step up strikes on Ukraine after Kyiv vows to hit Russian oil refineries
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