Zelensky approves 'new long-range operations' in response to Russian strikes

On September 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the approval of new long-range operations in response to Russian attacks. The decision stemmed from reports from Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi. The president emphasized the need to update Ukraine's Medical Forces based on successful combat practices, revise the military's approach to recruiting foreign fighters, and plan future deep strike campaigns against Russia.

Zelensky confirmed that he had approved these long-range operations in retaliation for Russian strikes against Ukraine. However, he did not provide further details on the nature of these operations.

Ukraine has been intensifying its deep strike campaign against Russian targets, including oil facilities, military infrastructure, logistics hubs, and weapons production sites. In July, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine could strike over 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) inside Russia. The country has also been developing new systems to counter jet-powered Shahed-type drones, with some systems already proving effective in real combat situations.

Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine's new interceptor had successfully hit two Russian Shaheds, including a Geran-5 drone, during combat on September 19. This development followed his announcement on September 15 that Ukraine had successfully tested a domestically developed interceptor against jet-powered Shahed drones.