Zelensky approves Ukraine's long-range strike plan for October

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a meeting with the Ministry of Defense and military officials, approved a plan for long-range strike operations covering October. He announced the decision in his evening address on social media.

According to Zelensky, military officials reported on priorities for Ukraine's long-range capabilities in the near term, as well as on operations currently being prepared. He said all key long-range tasks are being carried out, and that Russia's oil industry continues to feel Ukraine's impact.

Background

On the night of September 20, Ukrainian drones carried out a massive attack on Moscow and the surrounding region. The strike caused a large fire at the "Sofyino" logistics technopark. An oil refinery in Moscow's Kapotnya district also caught fire following the attack.

Zelensky said that during the night strike on the Moscow region, Ukraine's defense forces used a range of long-range weapons, including the "Flamingo" and "Palianytsia" missiles as well as the Pelican system.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin claimed on September 25 that Ukraine had struck what he described as polling stations in Moscow on the night of September 19-20. The Kremlin also stated that Ukraine would have to "pay a price" for its actions in recent months, claiming the Russian military was already carrying out retaliatory strikes.