Zelensky greenlights expanded long-range strikes amid intensified Russian attacks

On Sept. 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had authorized additional long-range operations in response to a surge of Russian missile and drone attacks. The decision followed reports from Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, and included discussions on modernising Ukraine's Medical Forces and revising the recruitment of foreign volunteers. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is preparing to expand its ability to strike deep inside Russia, building on a campaign that targets oil facilities, logistics hubs and weapons factories.

He noted that anti-drone systems designed to counter jet-powered Shahed drones have proven effective in combat and are moving toward mass production. The president also claimed that a newly developed interceptor successfully engaged two Russian Shahed drones, including a Geran-5, on the same day. No specifics about the new operations were disclosed.