On October 2, 2026, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the Russian Federation is considering Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv as the main targets of its attacks this winter. According to him, the goal of the aggressor is to isolate these cities from the rest of Ukraine.
Strategic Importance of Targets
Zelensky emphasized that these cities hold significant strategic importance:
- Kyiv — the capital of Ukraine;
- Kharkiv — a major industrial center in the east;
- Odesa — a key port city;
- Lviv — an important logistics hub near the border with Poland.
According to presidential sources, Russia plans not only to strike these cities but also to cut off nuclear power plants from the national energy grid, aiming to force Ukraine to accept Moscow's demands by early 2027.
Objectives of the Attacks
According to information obtained from Western intelligence, Russia intends to create a new wave of refugees to Europe, which may lead to increased anti-migrant sentiments in EU countries. Zelensky noted that these attacks are also aimed at destroying the morale of Ukrainians and sowing chaos in society.
International Reaction
These statements by the Ukrainian president have raised concerns on the international stage. Western countries continue to monitor the situation, and it is likely that this will influence their policy regarding support for Ukraine in the face of the growing threat from Russia.