Ukraine–Russia

Russia’s Defence Ministry says strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions will intensify

DEVELOPMENT
Location
Ukraine — a stated intention to intensify strikes, not a located impact
Actors
Russia · Ukraine
Importance
Notable

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on 4 October 2026 that strikes on military facilities, defence-industry sites and related infrastructure in Kyiv and elsewhere in Ukraine would be intensified. Reuters and dpa reported the statement as Moscow’s answer to an interview, published the day before, in which President Zelenskyy said Ukraine would step up attacks on Russian oil refineries. dpa also quoted the ministry as saying Zelenskyy bore full personal and political responsibility for the escalation, and that the round-the-clock attacks would be stepped up further. The statement is an announced intention. It is not itself a new strike.

Why it matters

Moscow is answering Kyiv’s refinery campaign with a public promise to hit the capital and other cities harder, on the day the German chancellor is in Kyiv.

Verification: Confirmed

Evidence: Russia to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskiy interview, Moscow vows to intensify attacks on Kiev as Merz visits

Reuters, reprinted by The Moscow Times, and dpa both reported the ministry’s statement on 4 October. The wording is the ministry’s. This record does not confirm a new strike.