Russia to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskiy interview

Live updates

1. 59m ago

   Russia Vows Intensified Strikes on Ukraine

   Russia announced plans to ramp up military strikes across Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions following an interview where President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed to target Russian oil refineries. The Russian Defence Ministry also urged foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv, prompting pushback from the European Union and international leaders. Meanwhile, ongoing drone and missile attacks have caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage across Ukraine, drawing solidarity visits from foreign officials such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who pledged one billion euros in military aid.

   Why it matters

   The escalation follows a series of destructive air attacks by Moscow that have targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and killed dozens of civilians. Kyiv has responded by vowing to expand its counter-offensive strikes against critical Russian energy facilities. International diplomatic friction has simultaneously mounted as Moscow pressures foreign embassies to evacuate the Ukrainian capital.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia will intensify strikes on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine following an interview in which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed increased attacks on Russian refineries.
   • The Russian Defence Ministry urged foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv.
   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv in a display of solidarity and pledged one billion euros in military aid.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine believes Russia shared jet-drone technology with North Korea.

   What to watch next

   • Any physical actions taken against foreign diplomatic missions remaining in Kyiv
   • Retaliatory Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries
   • Further international diplomatic responses to Moscow's evacuation warnings
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Russia - Wikipedia
   2. Reuters — Russia pledges to continue massive strikes on Kyiv, urges foreign diplomats to leave city
   3. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Will Respond As Putin Vows To Escalate Air Strikes, Warns Foreigners
   4. Reuters — Russia to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskiy interview
   5. The Moscow Times — Russia to Intensify Strikes on Ukraine After Zelensky Interview
   6. Yahoo — EU responds to Russian threats against European diplomats in Kyiv
   7. The Hill — Russia threatens more strikes after Zelensky vows to hit oil refineries
   8. Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 4, 2026
   9. www.koreatimes.co.kr — Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes, Zelenskiy says
   10. CNBC — Russia ramps up attacks on Kyiv infrastructure as U.S. makes fresh push for peace talks
   11. Kyiv Post — Why Russia Wants Western Embassies Out of Kyiv – and Why They’re Staying
   12. Українська правда — Rubio responds to Russia's call for foreign diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv
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