Zelensky announced the expansion of long-range strikes against Russia
Ukraine intends to expand its strategy of long-range strikes against Russia. Zelenskyy stated that new operations are planned, but did not disclose their targets or timing.
Zelensky announced the expansion of long-range strikes against Russia
The military leadership of Ukraine has agreed on new operations "using long-range weapons in response to Russian attacks." This was stated by the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky after a meeting with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi and Minister of Defense Yevhen Khmara.
"We are preparing to expand our long-range strike capabilities," the Ukrainian leader said.
Since the beginning of the year, the AFU has intensified strikes on facilities of Russia's fuel and energy complex. By September, Ukrainian drones had struck oil refineries at least 70 times, as a result of which oil refining volumes in the country fell to their lowest level in the last two decades, leading to a sharp shortage of gasoline and the introduction of restrictions at gas stations. In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are also striking military factories, port infrastructure, and shadow fleet vessels.
Previously, Ukraine had been trying for several months to reach a mutual pause with Russia on strikes against energy facilities, ports, and other critical infrastructure. However, Putin rejected this initiative and instead intensified the attacks. "It is clear why this proposal is being made, because our retaliatory strikes deep into Ukrainian territory are stronger, more sensitive, and frankly, more destructive," he said.
Putin admitted that attacks on Russia's oil and gas infrastructure, marketplace warehouses, and merchant ships "create problems" and cause damage, but stressed that there were no "serious consequences" from the actions of the AFU.