President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a new 40-day "influence operation" by Ukraine's SBU security service aimed at targeting Russian "personnel and equipment" to pressure Vladimir Putin into ending the war. The plan, approved on Thursday night, marks an escalation in Kyiv's strategy to bring the conflict to a conclusion.
Details of the Operation
In a social media post, Zelensky stated: "I approved a 40-day influence operation for the service against the aggressor state aimed at compelling it to end the war." He highlighted the SBU's recent successes, noting that the Centre of Special Operations 'Alpha' leads in neutralizing occupier personnel and equipment. The operation will leverage various types of drones, which have proven highly effective in defending Ukraine's front-line positions.
Recent Ukrainian Strikes
Ukraine has intensified attacks within Russia in recent months, using mid- and long-range drones to strike Moscow and critical infrastructure. On Wednesday night, two Russian oil refineries in Ufa, 930 miles from the front line, and an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, 180 miles from Ukraine, were reportedly hit. Drone attacks occurred overnight in 12 Russian regions, with Crimea, the Azov Sea, and the Black Sea regions experiencing one of the largest Ukrainian assaults to date.
Impact on Russia
The sustained campaign has caused fuel shortages and disrupted army supply lines, stalling Moscow's full-scale invasion after more than four years of fighting. Zelensky noted that Russia is moving additional air defenses to Moscow and Valdai, a town 300 miles northwest of Moscow that hosts a Putin residence. "In the Moscow region alone, they have amassed hundreds of launchers for air defence missiles," he said. "Nearly 90 launchers have been redeployed to Valdai from other regions of Russia." This redeployment, Zelensky suggested, leaves other parts of Russia vulnerable to Ukraine's increasingly sophisticated long-range drones, which can now fly over 930 miles.
Broader Strategic Context
Ukrainian drones have recently struck Moscow and St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city and Putin's hometown. Ukraine is also attempting to cut off Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. The Kerch Bridge, a vital supply route connecting Crimea to mainland Russia, is under protection. Zelensky expressed gratitude to the SBU for protecting Ukraine and discussed challenges to internal security in his announcement.
