Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has directed the military to increase long-range drone strikes against Russia to 1,000 per day, according to a statement made during his nightly address on Thursday.
The new target represents a significant escalation from the current pace of approximately 300 daily drone attacks, Zelenskiy said. He emphasized the need for accelerated action, stating, 'We must do more: there is a concrete goal, and we will fulfill this task.'
The announcement follows months of intensified aerial operations targeting Russian infrastructure and military positions. Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike deep within Russian territory, including regions previously considered beyond reach. The order comes as Kyiv seeks to disrupt Russian logistics and reduce the operational capacity of its forces.
Zelenskiy’s directive was delivered from Kiev, where he has been based since the conflict’s escalation. The president has previously framed drone strikes as a critical component of Ukraine’s defensive and offensive strategy amid the prolonged war.
The Ukrainian military has not immediately detailed how the new target will be achieved logistically, though officials have indicated that production and deployment of additional drones are underway. The campaign’s expansion coincides with ongoing international discussions regarding military aid and the sustainability of Ukraine’s defense posture.
