Zelenskyy hails long-range drone strikes against Russia’s military and energy facilities

International

KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced what he described as successful long-range military strikes deep inside Russian territory, saying the operations demonstrate Ukraine’s growing ability to respond to Russian aggression and increase pressure for an end to the war.

In a statement on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces carried out coordinated drone attacks targeting strategic military and energy facilities in Russia, including locations in the St. Petersburg and Krasnodar regions, last night.

According to the Ukrainian leader, drones struck facilities linked to Russia’s naval infrastructure in Kronstadt and military arsenals in the St. Petersburg region, while another operation targeted an oil depot in the Krasnodar region.

“Last night, our drones covered a distance of about 1,000 kilometres to the St. Petersburg region – to the enemy navy’s arsenals and a base in Kronstadt. Our long-range sanctions also reached about 500 kilometres into the Krasnodar region and hit an oil depot,” Zelenskyy said.

He described the strikes as the result of coordinated efforts by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine and the country’s Defence Intelligence agency.

The president said the operations were intended to increase pressure on Moscow and demonstrate that continued attacks on Ukraine would be met with a response.

“Russia must end its war and stop its attacks on life. Any manifestation of injustice against Ukraine will receive a just response,” he stated.

Zelenskyy also praised Ukrainian military personnel and intelligence operatives for the precision and effectiveness of the strikes.

The latest attacks highlight Ukraine’s growing long-range drone capabilities, which have expanded significantly since the outbreak of the war. In recent months, Kyiv has increasingly targeted military installations, energy infrastructure and logistics facilities located deep inside Russian territory.

The development comes as Russia continues to launch drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure in an effort to weaken the country’s military and economic resilience.

Moscow has intensified its use of long-range drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles throughout the conflict, while also deploying advanced weapons systems in some of its latest large-scale attacks on Ukraine.

The war, now in its fifth year, continues to exact a heavy human and economic toll on both countries, with diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire yet to produce a breakthrough.