Zelenskiy told Reuters the refinery strikes target the funding for Russia's war effort and retaliate against attempts to force residents out of their cities. This escalation comes as Russian refinery runs have dropped 14% and Moscow banned diesel exports until November. The move ignores a request from Donald Trump for Kyiv to halt raids on oil infrastructure to stabilize energy markets, where US diesel prices have exceeded $6.30 per gallon.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Russia Orders Foreign Diplomats Out of Kyiv Warns of Intensified Strikes
War16 days ago
The Russian Foreign Ministry told foreign embassies that those ignoring warnings to vacate Kyiv are solely responsible for subsequent adverse consequences. Moscow will maintain and intensify strikes on the Ukrainian capital and other regions, according to a warning issued after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed to ramp up attacks on Russian oil refineries. Ukrainian intelligence has obtained documents showing that Putin authorized a broader campaign against roads and logistics this winter, and Russian forces have struck bridges over the Dnipro in Kyiv for the first time.
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