Key facts
- President Zelensky called for Ukraine to conduct 1,000 long-range drone strikes daily against Russia.
- Russia has been launching jet-powered drones in near-hourly attacks for five consecutive days.
- These attacks are causing continuous air raid alerts, disrupting daily life and the economy in Ukraine.
- Elon Musk opposes Ukraine using Starlink for strikes inside Russia.
- Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted a Wildberries warehouse in Yekaterinburg, over 1,600 km from the border.
- Ukraine's military intelligence claims Russian Zircon missiles are less capable than advertised.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for Ukraine to conduct 1,000 long-range drone strikes daily against Russia, a significant increase from the current average of over 300. This call comes as Russia continues its fifth day of jet-powered drone attacks on Ukraine, causing disruptions and straining air defenses.
Russia has shifted its airstrike tactics, launching jet-powered drones in separate, near-hourly attacks throughout the day, triggering continuous air raid alerts across Ukrainian cities. This strategy aims to keep Ukrainian air defenses in constant combat readiness, which is technically, psychologically, and physically demanding. The persistent alerts are disrupting businesses, public transportation, and the broader economy, while also increasing the civilian casualty toll.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk reportedly remains opposed to allowing Ukraine to use Starlink for strikes deep inside Russia, despite media reports suggesting otherwise. Musk is said to believe that such escalation would not help end the war. Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted a Wildberries warehouse in Yekaterinburg, over 1,600 kilometers from the border, with drones, causing damage to residential areas and injuring four people.
Ukraine's military intelligence agency has also published details about Russia's 3M22 Zircon missile, claiming its capabilities are less than advertised, with a slower speed and smaller warhead compared to other Russian missiles. In a separate development, President Zelensky appointed Vadym Chenchyk as the new acting head of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service, replacing Valerii Vavryniuk.