Zelensky confirms Ukraine has approved long-range strike operations for October

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address that during a meeting with the Defense Ministry and military commanders, he approved a plan for Ukraine's long-range strike operations for October. He said military officials had presented reports on near-term priorities and operations being prepared.

According to Zelensky, all key long-range strike tasks are being carried out, and Russia's oil industry continues to feel the effects of Ukraine's actions.

Background

On the night of September 20, Ukrainian drones launched a massive attack on Moscow and the surrounding region. The strike triggered a large fire at the "Sofyino" logistics technopark, and Moscow's oil refinery in the Kapotnya district also caught fire. Zelensky said at the time that the overnight strike on the Moscow region involved several Ukrainian long-range weapons, including the "Flamingo," "Palianytsia" and Pelican systems.

Russian President 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 said Ukraine would have to "pay a price" for its actions in recent months and that the Russian military was already carrying out corresponding strikes.