Zelenskyy Praises Successful Drone Operation Against Russia
Ukrainian Forces Execute Strategic Operation
On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the Ukrainian military for a successful operation in Russia that specifically targeted military assets. He reported that the operation resulted in considerable losses for Russia, which he deemed 'justified and deserved.' In his national address, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Ukraine's Security Service and all participants in this 'unique' mission. He disclosed that the operation utilized 117 drones and required over a year and a half of preparation, emphasizing the meticulous planning and execution involved.
Insights into the Operation
Zelenskyy elaborated on the operation, noting that Ukrainian forces operated across various Russian regions spanning three time zones. He acknowledged the support from individuals who had been evacuated from Russian territory prior to the operation. Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, he remarked that a plan he had envisioned for over a year had finally materialized. 'Interestingly, the command center for our operation was situated right next to the FSB headquarters in one of their regions. A total of 117 drones were deployed, with a corresponding number of operators. We successfully targeted 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers at air bases,' he stated.
Russia's Ongoing Threat
Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukrainian intelligence had warned of Russia's preparations for another large-scale attack. 'Before this operation, we had intelligence suggesting that Russia was gearing up for a significant strike. It is crucial for our citizens to heed air raid alerts. Last night, nearly 500 Russian attack drones were deployed, and their strike capabilities are increasing weekly,' he noted.
Call for Ceasefire and Diplomatic Pressure
He firmly stated that Ukraine had offered a ceasefire to Russia, but Moscow continues to pursue military action despite a U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire presented on March 11. Zelenskyy urged the international community to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia. 'We proposed a ceasefire, but the Russians opted to continue the conflict, even as the world calls for an end to the violence. We need pressure on Russia to bring them back to reality through sanctions and diplomatic efforts,' he emphasized.
Significant Drone Attack on Russian Military
In a notable development, Ukraine launched a substantial drone strike on Sunday, damaging over 40 Russian military aircraft. Regional governor Igor Kobzev confirmed that Ukrainian drones targeted a military unit in the Sredny settlement located in Russia's Irkutsk region. This attack occurred just a day before scheduled talks aimed at halting the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three years.