Zelensky: Ukraine Can Produce 200–300 Long-Range Drones Daily, With Reach Up to 3,000 Km

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday that his nation can significantly boost its long-range drone strikes inside Russia if it receives additional funding. Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, Zelensky argued that bringing the conflict to Russian soil could intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and encourage peace negotiations.

The discussion took place ahead of Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence. The leaders from Britain, France, and Germany attended the meeting, expressing solidarity with Ukraine despite Russian threats and attacks. They also discussed the need for enhanced military assistance, greater pressure on Moscow, and long-term security guarantees.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine currently produces about 200 to 300 long-range strike drones daily, with a maximum range of 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles). He emphasized that the weapons have proven effective in Ukrainian operations but highlighted that funding is the primary obstacle. Russia has dramatically expanded its long-range drone campaign, with deployments ranging from 40 to 1,000 drones per day.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine needs to compete with Russia in the number of deep strikes it can launch and that Russia's greater resources pose a significant financing gap for Ukraine. The Coalition of the Willing agreed to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, increase military aid, deepen cooperation with Ukraine's defense industry, and tighten sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex.

The group also pledged to "ratchet up" sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex, curb sanctions evasion, and target Russia's Shadow Fleet.