President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that Russia is preparing for a new mass strike against Ukraine in the near future [1].
The warning comes as Ukraine expands its own offensive capabilities, signaling a shift in the aerial war and increasing pressure on Russia's allies.
Zelensky said that Ukraine has successfully deployed new modernized drones capable of reaching distances of 2,000 km [1]. This technical advancement allows Ukrainian forces to target deeper strategic assets within Russian territory. The president said that the military has already shot down 200 drones [1].
Beyond the direct conflict with Russia, Zelensky addressed the role of Belarus in the ongoing war. He said that Belarus must immediately stop its support for Russian terror and dismantle equipment used for enemy unmanned aerial vehicles [1].
The president said the international community must remain vigilant regarding the impending Russian attacks [1]. He framed the request to Belarus as a necessary step to reduce the infrastructure available for Russian military operations.
Zelensky said the use of the updated drone fleet represents a critical step in neutralizing threats before they reach Ukrainian borders [1]. The president said that the ability to strike at a distance of 2,000 km [1] changes the operational landscape for the defending forces.
“Russia is preparing for a new mass strike in the near future.”
The deployment of 2,000-km range drones indicates a significant escalation in Ukraine's deep-strike capabilities, potentially bringing Russian industrial and military hubs further into the strike zone. By simultaneously calling on Belarus to dismantle UAV infrastructure, Ukraine is attempting to sever the logistical and territorial advantages Russia gains from its ally, while signaling to the West that the risk of large-scale Russian escalation remains high.
