---
title: "Zelenskiy: Ukraine to target Russian oil refineries"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/zelenskiy-ukraine-to-target-russian-oil-refineries"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/zelenskiy-ukraine-to-target-russian-oil-refineries"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/zelenskiy-ukraine-to-target-russian-oil-refineries.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/zelenskiy-ukraine-to-target-russian-oil-refineries"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Ukraine"
published: "2026-10-03T16:46:39.434Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-03T16:17:36.984Z"
updated: "2026-10-03T18:00:29.812Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-03T18:28:22.866Z"
---

# Zelenskiy: Ukraine to target Russian oil refineries

*President states Ukraine will retaliate against Moscow's new doctrine of civilian infrastructure strikes.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to President Zelenskiy; one full report and five digests published.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. One full report and five digests published; fact kept separate from comment.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. Headlines and digests are measured and proportionate to the content.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Ukraine plans to attack Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's alleged new doctrine of targeting civilian infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
- Zelenskiy stated that Russia's 'new doctrine' aims to pressure civilians to leave cities by targeting infrastructure.
- Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Donbas region has recaptured approximately 140 sq km, according to Zelenskiy.
- The US has previously urged Ukraine to avoid hitting Russian oil installations due to concerns over global diesel prices.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine will increase attacks on Russian oil refineries as a response to Moscow's alleged new policy of airstrikes. He stated that this Russian policy is designed to compel people to leave cities like Kyiv. Zelenskiy also reported that Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Donbas region has reclaimed about 140 square kilometres of territory.

Zelenskiy said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents indicating Russian President Vladimir Putin had authorised a 'new doctrine' authorising attacks on a wider range of civilian targets. According to Zelenskiy, the goal of these strikes is to pressure people to leave the capital and other cities. He added that Russia's actions are intended to project strength while its military faces losses and higher casualties.

## Disagreement on Ukraine's response

The Star Kuala Lumpur reported that Zelenskiy stated Ukraine would respond to Moscow's attacks on energy infrastructure by targeting Russian energy facilities, specifically oil refineries, which provide funding for the war. However, he emphasised that Ukraine would not target civilian objects in retaliation. The Star Kuala Lumpur also noted that the US had previously advised Ukraine against striking Russian oil facilities due to potential impacts on global diesel prices.

## What the coverage left out

None of the centre-rated digests mentioned Ukraine's development of new interceptor drones and domestically made ballistic missiles, as reported by President Zelenskiy in The Star Kuala Lumpur's full report. The right-rated digests also omitted this information.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 15 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 0% (0)
- Centre: 53% (8)
- Right: 47% (7)

17 of 32 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-03T18:28:22.866Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 10 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-03T19:15:20.040Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

No separate framing summary.

### Centre

- Centre-rated outlets led on Ukraine's intention to increase attacks on Russian oil refineries. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this would be in response to Moscow's new airstrike policy, which he said aims to force people from Kyiv and other cities. Zelensky also said Ukraine would not target civilians.
- The reports mentioned that Ukraine's intelligence services possess documents indicating a new doctrine from President Vladimir Putin. This doctrine, according to the reports, involves wider military attacks on civilian objects before winter. Zelensky said this policy is intended to make people leave the capital and other cities.
- Eesti Rahvusringhääling's full report also detailed other events, including Ukrainian strikes on Russian military targets and a Russian attack on a ship in Odesa port. This report also mentioned Russian calls for diplomats and foreigners to leave Kyiv, and a Russian strike on a bridge in the city.

### Right

- The right-rated reports highlighted President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's declaration that Ukraine will target Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes. The Star Kuala Lumpur, which provided a full report, included Zelenskiy's explanation that Russia's new policy aims to force people to abandon cities by targeting infrastructure. This report also detailed Zelenskiy's statement that Ukraine would not target civilians, but would respond to attacks on energy infrastructure.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 3
- high: 8
- unknown: 17
- veryHigh: 3

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Newsit.gr](https://newsit.gr/kosmos/reuters-i-oukrania-etoimazei-mazika-xtypimata-se-rosika-diylistiria-i-epixeirisi-vivalnti-sto-ntonmpas/4789635) — Reuters: Ukraine Prepares Massive Strikes on Russian Refineries – Operation Vivaldi in Donbas
- [Beirut 24](https://beirut24.org/2026/10/03/%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%88%D9%91%D8%AD-%D8%A8%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%8D-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D8%B9) — Ukraine Is Waving a Russian Spec in Response to the Escalation of Air Strikes.
- [The Moscow Times](https://themoscowtimes.com/2026/10/03/ukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscows-new-doctrine-of-airstrikes-a93864) — Ukraine Will Hit Russian Refineries in Response to Moscow's ‘New Doctrine’ of Airstrikes
- [ieidiseis.gr](https://ieidiseis.gr/kosmos/880528/zelenski-tha-chtypisoume-prota-ta-diylistiria-poutin) — Zelensky: "We Will Hit the Refineries First" - What He Said About Putin
- [The Globe & Mail](https://theglobeandmail.com/world/article-ukraine-will-target-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscows-air) — Ukraine will target Russian refineries in response to Moscow’s air strikes, Zelensky says
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/externe/zelenski-ucraina-va-lansa-atacuri-asupra-rafinariilor-rusesti-ca-raspuns-la-noua-doctrina-a-moscovei-privind-atacurile-aeriene-23818871) — Zelenski: Ukraine to Launch Attacks on Russian Refinements in Response to "Moscow's New Doctrine on Air Attacks · Global Voices
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/ne-grozi-nashim-npz-popivaya-sok-u-sebya-v-kieve-zelenskiy-opyat-pytaetsya) — Don't Threaten Our NHP, Sniffing Cocaine in Kiev: Zelensky's Trying to Intimidate Russia Again.
- [24 HU](https://24.hu/kulfold/2026/10/03/zelenszkij-orosz-olajfinomitok-tamadas-kijev-putyin) — Zelensky: Ukraine Is Stepping up Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries
- [parapolitika.gr](https://parapolitika.gr/diethni/article/1800630/zelenski-hasimo-hronou-oi-diapragmateuseis-me-ton-poutin-tha-sunehisoume-na-htupame-rosika-diulistiria) — Zelensky: Negotiations with Putin Are a "Waste of Time" - "We Will Continue to Hit Russian Refineries"
- [Pentapostagma](https://pentapostagma.gr/kosmos/enoples-syrraxeis/7392518_zelenski-hasimo-hronoy-oi-diapragmateyseis-me-ton-poytin) — Zelensky: Negotiations with Putin Are a Waste of Time
- [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/world/exclusive-ukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscows-new-doctrine-of-airstrikes) — Exclusive-Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow’s ‘new doctrine’ of airstrikes - Regional Media News
- [Aleph News](https://alephnews.ro/guvern/zelenski-ucraina-pregateste-o-noua-serie-de-lovituri-asupra-rafinariilor-din-rusia-ca-raspuns-la-noua-doctrina-a-lui-putin-privind-atacurile-aeriene) — Ukraine Prepares New Attacks on Russian Refineries
- [kikar.co.il](https://kikar.co.il/world-news/zelensky-exposes-putin-winter-destruction-doctrine) — Zelensky Reveals Putin's Destruction Order: We Will Double Oil Facilities
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1889056/zelenski-hasimo-hronou-oi-diapragmateuseis-me-ton-poutin-tha-sunehisoume-na-htupame-rosika-diulistiria) — Zelensky: Negotiations with Putin Are a Waste of Time, We Will Continue to Hit Russian Refineries
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/ukraine/2026/10/03/2638829.html) — Zelensky threatened to intensify attacks on Russian refineries in response to attacks on bridges
- [Egyptian Gazette](https://egyptian-gazette.com/world/ukraine-vows-to-target-russian-refineries-over-moscows-new-airstrike-doctrine) — Ukraine vows to target Russian refineries over Moscow’s ‘new’ airstrike doctrine
- [ТСН.ua](https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/iak-ukrayina-vidpovist-na-udary-po-mostakh-zelenskyy-nazvav-tsili-dlia-atak-u-rosiyi-3180770.html) — How Ukraine Will Respond to Strikes on Bridges: Zelensky Names Targets for Attacks in Russia
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/10/03/exclusive-ukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscows-new-doctrine-of-airstrikes) — Exclusive-Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow’s ‘new doctrine’ of airstrikes
- [Korrespondent.net](https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/4917029-zelenskyi-ukrayna-budet-nanosyt-udary-po-neftepererabatyvauischym-zavodam-rf) — Zelenskyy: Ukraine Will Attack Russian Oil Refineries
- [IOL Portugal](https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/guerra/ucrania/temos-de-responder-de-todas-as-formas-ucrania-vai-atacar-refinarias-russas-em-resposta-a-nova-doutrina-de-ataques-aereos-de-moscovo/20261003/6ac12da9d34e53c759c74e5b) — "We Have to Respond in All Ways": Ukraine Will Attack Russian Refineries in Response to Moscow's "New Doctrine" of Air Strikes
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/10/03/zelensky-aumenteremo-gli-attacchi-alle-raffinerie-russe-in-risposta-allescalation_c56624bd-c97a-4d05-a759-d46dc524d5e5.html) — Zelensky, 'We Will Increase Attacks on Russian Refineries in Response to Escalation'
- [knews.media](https://knews.media/2026/10/03/ukraine-to-intensify-strikes-on-russian-oil-refineries-in-retaliation) — Ukraine to Intensify Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries in Retaliation
- [infomoney.com.br](https://infomoney.com.br/mundo/ucrania-atacara-refinarias-em-resposta-a-nova-doutrina-de-ataques-aereos-de-moscou) — Ukraine to Attack Refineries in Response to Moscow's "New Doctrine" of Air Strikes
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscows-new-doctrine-of-airstrikes/articleshow/134662857.cms) — Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
- [Reuters](http://rmb.reuters.com/rmd/rss/item/tag:reuters.com,2026:newsml_KBN3VJ0GK?channel=BEQ259) — Exclusive-Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
- [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/world-news/exclusiveukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscows-new-doctrine-of-airstrikes-4930865) — Exclusive-Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow’s ’new doctrine’ of airstrikes
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/2feb4e280efa41a0) — Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscows-new-doctrine-of-airstrikes) — Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
- [Market Screener](https://marketscreener.com/news/ukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscow-s-new-doctrine-of-airstrikes-ce785ddbdd80f727) — Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
- [The Star Kuala Lumpur](https://thestar.com.my/news/world/2026/10/04/exclusive-ukraine-will-hit-russian-refineries-in-response-to-moscow039s-039new-doctrine039-of-airstrikes) — Exclusive-Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
- [El Economista](https://eleconomista.com.mx/internacionales/ucrania-intensificara-ataques-refinerias-rusia-respuesta-ofensiva-moscu-20261003-836703.html) — Ukraine Will Intensify Attacks on Russian Refineries in Response to Moscow Offensive
- [Eesti Rahvusringhääling](https://err.ee/1610155357/zelenski-ukraina-rundab-vastusena-uutele-ohurunnakutele-vene-naftatehaseid) — Zelensky: Ukraine Will Attack Russian Oil Plants in Response to New Airstrikes

## Questions

**What is Ukraine's planned response to Russian airstrikes?**

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine intends to target Russian oil refineries in retaliation for Moscow's alleged new doctrine of striking civilian infrastructure. He clarified that Ukraine would not target civilians but would respond to attacks on energy facilities.

**What is Russia's alleged new doctrine?**

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Russia's 'new doctrine' involves targeting a broader range of civilian infrastructure, including logistics, roads, schools, and hospitals. The aim is to pressure people to leave cities.

**How much territory has Ukraine recaptured in the Donbas?**

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Donbas region has recaptured approximately 140 square kilometres of territory.

**What concerns have been raised about targeting Russian oil facilities?**

The US has urged Ukraine to refrain from hitting Russian oil installations due to concerns about potential surges in global diesel prices. This advice was noted by President Zelenskiy.

---

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