Key facts
- President Zelensky approved new long-range operations targeting Russian infrastructure.
- Ukraine is capable of striking over 3,000 kilometers inside Russia.
- Ukraine's new interceptor successfully hit two Russian Shahed drones on Sept. 19.
- Ukraine is working on mass production of drone counter-systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 19, 2026, that he had approved new long-range operations in response to Russian attacks. The decision came after receiving updates from Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is preparing to expand its long-range capabilities, which he has previously described as "long-range sanctions" against Moscow. The country continues to target Russian oil facilities, military infrastructure, logistics hubs, and weapons production sites. In July, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine's priority targets list had been updated, with the capability to strike over 3,000 kilometers inside Russia. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to deploy jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities throughout spring and summer 2026. Zelensky also reported that Ukrainian systems designed to counter Shahed-type drones have proven effective in combat, and the country is moving towards systematic deployment and mass production. On the same day, he claimed Ukraine's new interceptor successfully engaged and hit two Russian Shaheds, including a jet-powered Geran-5 drone.