Brief
Zelensky says Putin ordered troops to abandon war rules and target civilians
Zelensky warned that Putin has instructed Russian forces to ignore established rules of war and increase attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Financial Times from a bomb shelter in Kyiv that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his generals to abandon the rules of war and step up attacks on civilian targets and nuclear energy sites.
What happened
Zelensky said the order was given in September as Russia intensified air strikes on Kyiv and other major cities, including Kharkiv, Lviv and Odesa. He added that Russian forces have launched about 500 drones in the last day, half of them jet‑powered, and are seeking to pressure civilians and force Ukraine to accept Russian demands by early 2027.
What the reports add
The New York Post report notes that Ukrainian intelligence intercepted the directive and that Moscow aims to strike nuclear facilities and cut them from the grid. It also mentions a broader strategy to generate a new flow of Ukrainian refugees into neighboring countries such as Poland.
What was said
"He [Putin] said there are no rules now," Zelensky said, adding that the attacks are intended to "pressure people" and instill fear.
How it came about
The shift follows a static front line in the Donbas and Russia’s difficulty capturing the region, prompting Putin to pursue what Zelensky described as “massive attacks, massive killing.”
Key facts
- Zelensky said Putin ordered Russian generals to abandon war rules (nypost.com)
- The order was reportedly given in September as Russia intensified strikes on Kyiv (nypost.com)
- Ukrainian intelligence intercepted the directive, according to the report (nypost.com)
- Around 500 drones were launched in the last day, half jet‑powered (nypost.com)
- Moscow aims to strike nuclear facilities and force Ukraine to accept demands by early 2027 (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Putin orders military leaders to target civilians and nuclear facilities, Zelensky warns: ‘No rules now’”
