Ukrainian President ​Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces were increasing the scope of their attacks, and he would respond by striking Russian energy infrastructure. Moscow threatened it would escalate attacks on Ukrainian military facilities, defense industry sites, and related infrastructure. 

Zelensky told Reuters in an interview on Saturday, “We saw documents, and we know that they allow them to attack infrastructure, logistics, and especially to attack in the cities, in the villages, everywhere, roads, schools, hospitals. To pressure people to leave the capital, leave different cities: this is the goal of the operation.”

He continued, “We have to respond in any way (we can). With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refineries, etc., what gives money to them for this war. But we will not respond, of course, just like them, on any civilian objects.”

The Russian Defense Ministry responded to Zelensky’s remarks on Sunday, saying Moscow was planning to escalate attacks on Ukrainian military facilities. Additionally, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the current environment does not allow for negotiations. 

“Of course, we are indeed being drawn further into this spiral. For now, with no opportunity to discuss matters and reach agreements, this is the only way to pursue our interests,” he stated. 

The war continues to escalate, with Zelensky claiming that Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive, code-named “Vivaldi,” that recaptured 54 sq miles in the Donbas. Russia has stepped up attacks on Kiev, including hitting bridges in the city. Additionally, Moscow says it hit ships in the Black Sea carrying weapons to Ukraine. 

Zelensky also warned that Ukraine was running low on 20 mm ammunition used to shoot down Russian drones.