Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday hailed Ukrainian armed forces for their “brilliant operation” in Russia that aimed exclusively at military targets. He stated that operation inflicted significant losses on Russia, calling them “justified and deserved”. In his address to the nation, Zelenskyy thanked Ukraine's Security Service and everyone involved in the “unique” operation. He revealed that 117 drones were used and the preparation of the operation took over a year and half. It was successful with meticulous planning and every detail was perfectly executed, stated Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy said, "Just now, I received a report from Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk - a brilliant operation was carried out. It took place on enemy territory and was aimed exclusively at military targets - specifically, the equipment used in strikes against Ukraine. Russia suffered truly significant losses - entirely justified and deserved. I thank the Security Service, General Maliuk personally, as well as everyone who was involved in the operation. The preparation took over a year and a half. Planning, organization, and every detail was perfectly executed. I can say with certainty that this is an absolutely unique operation."
Zelenskyy Details About Ukraine's Strike
Detailing about Ukraine’s action, he said that Ukrainian personnel operated across multiple Russian regions in three different time zones. He also mentioned about assistance from people, who were withdrawn from Russian land before the operation. Zelenskyy stated that he is satisfied with the result as something he had planned for more than a year had come to fruition.
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"What's most interesting - and this can now be stated publicly - is that the "office" of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions. In total, 117 drones were used in the operation - with a corresponding number of drone operators involved. 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit. Our personnel operated across multiple Russian regions - in three different time zones. And the people who assisted us were withdrawn from Russian territory before the operation, they are now safe. It is genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. We will continue this work," he added.
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Russia Was Preparing Another Attack: Zelenskyy
Zenlesnkyy further disclosed that Ukraine's intelligence had indicated that Russia was preparing another massive attack.
"Even before this operation was carried out, we had intelligence indicating that Russia was preparing another massive strike. And it is very important for all our people not to ignore the air raid alerts. Last night, there were nearly 500 Russian drones, attack drones. Each week, they have been increasing the number of units used per strike. Now, they have also prepared Kalibr missiles launched from naval carriers. We know exactly who we are dealing with. And we will defend ourselves by all means available to us - to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Not for a single second did we want this war," he added.
Russia Continues To Choose War: Zelenskyy
He firmly stated that Ukraine offered a ceasefire to Russia, but Moscow continues to choose war despite the fact that US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire has been on the table since March 11. He had urged international community to pressurise Russia through diplomacy and sanctions.
"We offered the Russians a ceasefire. Since March 11, the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire has been on the table. It was the Russians who chose to continue the war - even under conditions where the entire world is calling for an end to the killing. And pressure is truly needed - pressure on Russia that should bring it back to reality. Pressure through sanctions. Pressure from our forces. Pressure through diplomacy. All of it must work together," he said.
Notably, Ukraine on Sunday launched a massive drone attack, hitting over 40 Russian military aircrafts. Regional governor Igor Kobzev said Ukrainian drones targeted military unit in the Sredny settlement in Russia’s Irkutsk region. The massive attack took place just a day before when the talks are going to be held to halt the combat that started three years ago.
Also Read: Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack, Damages 40 Russian Military Aircraft: Report