Zelenskyy Threatens '1,000 Drones a Day' Against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning, vowing to escalate drone attacks deep into Russian territory with a target of "1,000 drones a day" for long-range strikes. Currently, Ukraine conducts over 300 such attacks daily, a figure Zelenskyy insists must be significantly increased.

"We must maximize the use of weapons," Zelenskyy declared in his nightly video address, emphasizing Ukraine's need to leverage its capabilities to repel Russian assaults and impose economic costs on Moscow. He noted that Russia is already experiencing reduced fuel supplies, exports, and logistical capacity as a result of ongoing Ukrainian operations.

Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine's strategic objective is to force Russia to the negotiating table. He warned that Russia would face even greater losses if it remains unwilling to engage in "reasonable negotiations" to end the conflict. This intensified pressure aims to disrupt Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries and military targets, as previously seen.

Ukraine has already demonstrated its ability to disrupt key Russian operations, notably paralyzing the port of Novorossiysk, a vital hub for Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine would continue to seek ways to block other Russian ports. In response, Russia has targeted Ukraine's critical Black Sea ports, severely hindering maritime traffic. Moscow recently rejected a Ukrainian proposal for a ceasefire in their naval conflict.