Zelensky threatens new long-range strikes inside Russia

By zoeysky // 2025-07-16

Mastodon

Parler

Gab

Copy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has threatened to launch long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory, signaling escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. This announcement follows the U.S. decision to resume military aid to Ukraine, a critical development as the war enters its third year.
Ukraine has demonstrated its growing capacity to strike within Russia, targeting military airfields and strategic bombers in recent weeks. These attacks have destroyed critical military infrastructure and sent a strong message to Moscow about Ukraine's resolve.
However, the conflict has also resulted in unintended casualties, with Ukrainian drones and missiles hitting civilian infrastructure, causing significant casualties and raising concerns.
The European Union has committed hundreds of billions of euros to expand its military-industrial complex and support Ukraine's domestic weapons production, aiming to enhance Ukraine's self-sufficiency in defense.
Zelensky claimed that Russia's summer offensive has failed to meet the Kremlin's expectations, with Ukrainian forces thwarting Russian attempts to advance. Lawmakers from both U.S. political parties are pushing for a bill to authorize such measures, indicating a potential major shift in Western sanctions policy. The international community remains divided, with some leaders advocating for a more aggressive stance against Russia, while others, like U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, call for an immediate ceasefire and political solution.

In a bold move that signals escalating tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has threatened to launch new long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory. Zelensky made the remarks following a high-level meeting with Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Aleksandr Syrsky and Chief of the General Staff Andrey Gnatov on July 13. In a post on X, Zelensky stated, "Our units will continue to destroy the occupiers and do everything possible to bring the war onto Russian territory. We are preparing our new long-range strikes." This declaration underscores Ukraine's determination to push back against Russian aggression and carry the fight into enemy territory. Zelensky also highlighted the importance of international support, mentioning that Ukraine is preparing for a visit by U.S. presidential envoy Keith Kellogg. Additionally, Zelensky emphasized the need to "work with partners on arms deliveries and scaling up joint production of essential defense assets," indicating a strategic shift towards bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities.

Recent attacks and their impact

In recent weeks, Ukraine has demonstrated its growing capacity to strike deep within Russia. Last month, Ukrainian forces targeted military airfields housing strategic bombers in several Russian regions. (Related: Zelensky demands $40 BILLION annually to sustain Ukraine’s war against Russia.) These attacks have not only destroyed critical military infrastructure but have also sent a clear message to Moscow about Ukraine's resolve. However, the conflict has not been without its costs. Ukrainian drones and missiles have also struck apartment blocks and other civilian infrastructure, leading to significant casualties and raising concerns about the unintended consequences of the escalating violence. According to Moscow, Ukraine was responsible for a passenger train derailment on March 31, which resulted in seven deaths.

International support and arms deliveries

The European Union (EU) has committed hundreds of billions of euros to expand its military-industrial complex and support Ukraine's domestic weapons production. This investment is crucial as Ukraine seeks to enhance its self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. Major General Christian Freuding, who oversees Germany's military support for Ukraine, has announced that Germany is set to provide Ukraine with its first batch of long-range missiles financed by Berlin in the coming weeks. This development is part of a broader effort by Western nations to equip Ukraine with advanced weaponry to counter Russian advances.

Russia's summer offensive falls short

On July 13, Zelensky also claimed that Russia's ongoing summer offensive has failed to meet the Kremlin's expectations. "We see the enemy's intentions and attempts to advance, and it is important that each of these attempts is being thwarted thanks to the resilience of our units and active defense," he said on Telegram. But despite Russia's efforts to advance deeper into eastern Donetsk Oblast and establish a buffer zone in northeastern Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian forces have managed to hold their ground. Back in June, Syrskyi claimed that the Russian offensive is "faltering," with Ukrainian forces pinning down at least 50,000 Russian troops in the sector. While Russia has made marginal gains along the front line, including claims of capturing its first village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Kyiv has repeatedly denied these assertions.

U.S. policy shift and secondary sanctions

In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump announced new weapons shipments to Ukraine and threatened secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil. This move is a response to Moscow's continued attacks on Ukraine and reflects growing frustration with Russia's actions. Trump's announcement includes the provision of Patriot air defense missiles, which Ukraine has urgently sought. The weapons will be sent to NATO countries, with some or all of the 17 Patriot batteries ordered by other nations potentially being redirected to Ukraine "very quickly." Trump's threat of secondary sanctions, if implemented, would mark a major shift in Western sanctions policy. Lawmakers from both U.S. political parties are pushing for a bill that would authorize these measures, targeting other countries that purchase Russian oil. As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis. While some leaders, like Trump, are advocating for a more aggressive stance against Russia, others, like U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, are calling for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for a political solution. As Ukraine prepares for new long-range strikes and anticipates further military aid, the world watches closely to see how this complex and devastating conflict will unfold. Watch the video below as French President Emmanuel Macron pledges that Europe will "never" abandon Ukraine. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

CITIZENS NEWS

Recent attacks and their impact

International support and arms deliveries

Russia's summer offensive falls short

U.S. policy shift and secondary sanctions

More related stories: