Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that he had approved new Ukrainian long-range operations in response to Russian strikes, saying his country was preparing to expand its capabilities in this area, without disclosing the nature or targets of the planned operations. Zelenskyy said Kyiv was working to deploy solutions that had proved effective in bringing down jet-powered Shahed aircraft, while also expanding production of those solutions.
Zelenskyy sets priorities for operations on the front
He also referred to “setting new priorities for military operations on the front” as clashes with Russian forces continued. Fighting between Russia and Ukraine intensified on Saturday, as Moscow announced battlefield advances and said it had taken control of more than 5,300 square kilometres and 220 settlements since the start of the year.
Russia’s Defence Ministry also said its forces had shot down 344 Ukrainian drones overnight and targeted vessels and logistics facilities at Black Sea ports. Kyiv, meanwhile, announced that more than 1,500 Russian military personnel had been killed or wounded over the previous 24 hours. The developments came as the front lines remained largely static.
Over the past few months, Russia and Ukraine have increased the pace of long-range air attacks. Kyiv has targeted Russian oil infrastructure and warehouses belonging to companies operating in e-commerce, in an effort to increase the cost borne by Moscow as the war continues.
