The warehouse seemingly held ammunition, as Zelenskyy mentioned a detonation after the drone strikes and noted a police investigation into why ordnance was stored near residential areas, which is banned. Criminal proceedings for negligence have started. “Those responsible must be held accountable for their decisions,” he stated.
Russia is launching “virtually nonstop attacks from jet-powered drones” on Kyiv, added Zelenskyy. In a separate video address, he acknowledged Ukraine needs to “significantly accelerate” the production of interceptors to counter the Iranian-designed, jet-powered Shahed drones.
In reaction to Russia’s intensified attacks, Ukraine aims to deploy 1,000 long-range drones into Russia daily, increasing from the current average of 300. There “must be more” strikes, Zelenskyy stated.
Kyiv’s deployment of long-range drones — striking deep into Russia, disrupting its economy and logistics, and exposing the war’s reality to ordinary Russians — has recently bolstered Ukraine’s stance in the conflict. One Ukrainian commander described them as “our most important card in this war.”
While emphasizing the need to enhance defenses against jet-powered drones, increasing long-range drone operations into Russia will make it “feel even more responsible for its choice to continue this war,” said Zelenskyy.
In the same address, he highlighted signs of a struggling Russian economy, such as its current need to import gasoline, an unusual move for a leading oil exporter.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that American representatives briefed Ukraine on CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s recent unexpected visit to Moscow, where he warned Russian officials against escalating tensions with NATO allies. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the U.S. for the “necessary tone of the conversation with Russia.”
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