Zelensky calls for Ukraine to launch 1,000 drones at Russia daily

On August 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine called for a significant increase in the daily deployment of long-range drones against Russia, setting a target of 1,000 drones per day. Currently, Ukraine averages over 300 such drone strikes daily. Zelensky stated that Russia is intensifying its aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, necessitating a sharp rise in drone launches to bolster the country's defense.

The primary focus is on countering jet-powered Shaheds and intensifying deep strikes against Russia. Zelensky emphasized that the objective is to achieve this goal, asserting that Ukraine will attain it. The Ukrainian leader's remarks follow Ukraine's intensification of attacks on Russian energy and military infrastructure. He pointed out growing pressure on Russia's fuel and export sectors, noting that Moscow is already experiencing economic consequences from the war, including reduced gasoline availability and decreased exports.

For the first time in its history, Russia is now importing gasoline and utilizing budget funds to support its oil companies. Ukrainian forces targeted one of Russia's largest oil refineries in Yaroslavl on August 28, damaging the Slavneft-YANOS facility, one of Russia's biggest oil-processing plants. Additionally, a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber was damaged at Engels air base in the Saratov region.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine will expand its long-range strikes if Russia refuses to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.