Key facts
- Ukraine is establishing a new military unit to conduct deep strikes into Russian territory.
- The unit aims to degrade Russia's military capabilities.
- President Zelenskyy described the unit's potential impact as "long-range, effectively global."
- Ukraine's defense industry, particularly drones and missiles, plays a key role in these strikes.
- The Flamingo missile system has a range of 3,000 kilometers.
- Joint Rapid Response Forces are also being created for faster front-line responses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday night the creation of a new military unit tasked with making incursions deep into Russian territory to degrade Moscow's fighting capabilities. Zelenskyy stated that the unit will have a “long-range, effectively global, impact on Russia.”
Ukraine's increasingly capable drone strikes on petrochemical production facilities are reportedly taking a toll on the Russian economy, which relies heavily on fossil fuel exports. Reports indicate that everyday Russians are experiencing fuel shortages, with videos circulating on social media showing long queues at gas stations.
The strikes deep in Russian territory highlight Ukraine's developing defense industry, with drones and other unmanned vehicles playing a significant role. Kyiv's domestically produced Flamingo missile system is noted to have a range of 3,000 kilometers.
Additionally, Zelenskyy announced the formation of a team of Joint Rapid Response Forces, designed to combine drones, artillery, and other capabilities for a rapid response on the front lines. He described this force as needing to be "modern, technology-driven."