Ukraine–Russia

Zelenskyy says Putin ordered an end to restrictions on Russian air attacks, citing intercepted Kremlin communications

This version is a correction.

ASSESSMENT
Location
Location unavailable
Actors
Ukraine · Russia
Importance
Notable

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military leaders in September to abandon the restrictions that had governed previous Russian air operations. Zelenskyy, speaking to the Financial Times and citing intelligence, specifically intercepted communications from Kremlin officials, said the president told them 'there are no rules now'. Russia began intensifying air strikes on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv after the order, targeting in particular schools, hospitals and data centres. The account is the Ukrainian president's, based on intelligence he did not release.

Verification: unverified

Evidence: Zelenskyy: Putin lifts restrictions on Russian air attacks on Ukraine in Sept, Zelenskyy Says Putin Lifted Airstrike Limits as Russia Targets Ukrainian Cities

Zelenskyy's own account of intercepted Kremlin communications, reported by Interfax-Ukraine and Mezha citing the Financial Times interview. The underlying intercepts have not been released and Russia has not confirmed the order. Separately on 2 October Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said Russia was responding to Black Sea attacks and that Kyiv must pay a price; that is a related statement, not this fact.

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