Zelensky Approves 40-Day SBU Operation to Pressure Russia

• President Zelensky approved a 40-day operation by Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU).
• The operation is designed to pressure Russia into ending the war.
• The SBU's plan includes 'long-range sanctions' and 'medium-range sanctions'.
• Zelensky praised the SBU's recent successes, particularly with drones, against Russian forces.
• Recent Ukrainian strikes have targeted Russian logistics, energy infrastructure, and personnel.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 25, 2026, that he has approved a plan for Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) to conduct a 40-day influence operation aimed at compelling Russia to end the ongoing war.

The decision followed a meeting between Zelensky and Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of the SBU. Khmara briefed the president on the SBU's strategies, including 'long-range sanctions' and 'medium-range sanctions,' and reported on achievements made.

Zelensky did not elaborate on the specific methods of the operation but lauded the SBU, particularly its Alpha special operations unit, for recent successes in targeting Russian personnel and equipment. He highlighted the SBU's effectiveness in utilizing drones to strike Russian logistics, energy infrastructure, and personnel, contributing to a slowdown in Russian battlefield advances and exacerbating a fuel crisis in Russia.

Recent Ukrainian actions, including drone strikes on the Moscow Oil Refinery and operations in occupied Crimea, have aimed to disrupt Russian supply routes and bring the war's impact closer to the Russian population. Zelensky credited the SBU with demonstrating high performance in defending Ukrainian positions on the front lines through drone warfare.

Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump has privately encouraged Zelensky to adopt a more aggressive stance against Russia. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently refused invitations for peace negotiations with Zelensky.