Ukraine: Zelenskyy warns of increased Russian strikes on civilian targets

Ukraine war civilian targets Kaliningrad nuclear threats Russian defense budget

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Vladimir Putin has ordered the removal of restrictions on airstrikes against civilian targets in Ukraine. Based on intercepted intelligence, Zelenskyy claims this shift in tactics began in September and aims to intimidate the population and weaken resistance through mass attacks on schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure. While the Kremlin denies targeting civilians, verified reports and drone fragments indicate strikes on educational and medical facilities.

Simultaneously, Vladimir Putin issued a nuclear warning regarding the Kaliningrad exclave, stating that any direct attack on the territory would prompt the use of Russia’s full military arsenal. NATO has rejected these threats, asserting that its activities pose no threat to Russian territory.

In terms of long-term strategy, Russia is reportedly preparing for a sustained conflict, with budget proposals for 2027–2029 indicating a 33% increase in defense spending to 17 trillion rubles. Intelligence also suggests Russia may target Ukrainian nuclear power plants by attacking electrical grid nodes to disrupt operations before winter.

Entities

Dmitry Peskov · Kremlin · Kyiv · NATO · Russia · Ukraine · Vladimir Putin · Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Vladimir Putin has ordered the removal of restrictions on airstrikes against civilian targets in Ukraine. radiomoldova.md · www.gandul.ro · www.mediafax.ro · nra.lv
[○ 1 SOURCE] Russia's 2027–2029 budget proposal suggests a 33% increase in defense spending to 17 trillion rubles. news.yam.md
[● 2 SOURCES] The Kremlin denies that Russian forces target schools or hospitals. www.gandul.ro · www.mediafax.ro
[● 4 SOURCES] The order to intensify attacks on civilian targets was reportedly issued in September. radiomoldova.md · www.gandul.ro · www.mediafax.ro · nra.lv
[● 3 SOURCES] Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would use its entire arsenal in response to a direct attack on the Kaliningrad enclave. finchannel.com · stirileprotv.ro · unimedia.info
[○ 1 SOURCE] Russia reportedly intends to disrupt the operation of three Ukrainian nuclear power plants by attacking electrical grid nodes. nra.lv
[○ 1 SOURCE] NATO rejected Russia's nuclear threats and denied preparing to attack Russian territory. finchannel.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Russia is preparing to intensify attacks on major Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv before winter. www.gandul.ro · www.mediafax.ro · nra.lv