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Analysis·Political

Zelenskyy announces goal of 1,000 long-range drones per day against Russia

As of ·6 sources·7 events in story·Verified · 18/23 claims supported
Zelenskyy announces goal of 1,000 long-range drones per day against Russia
Photo: RFE/RL Central Asia

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff, set the task of launching 1,000 long-range drones at Russia every day, while current strikes average 300. In parallel, he announced strikes on 16 targets in Russia, a $27 billion shortfall for the army, a ceasefire plan, and accelerated air defense deliveries from France.

Sources

· 6

Key points

  • After a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff, Zelenskyy set the task of launching 1,000 long-range drones at Russia every day, while current strikes average 300 drones per day.
  • On August 26, Zelenskyy announced strikes on 16 targets in Russia — oil facilities, airfields, missile units, and infrastructure.
  • Zelenskyy reported a $27 billion shortfall in army funding; by August the Ministry of Defense had fully spent the allocated aid and budget funds.
  • Kyiv, jointly with the United States and European partners, has developed a ceasefire plan providing for mutual withdrawal of troops and the creation of a buffer zone.

What happened

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff and set the task of launching 1,000 long-range drones at Russia every day. On August 26, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces struck 16 targets in Russia, including oil facilities, airfields, missile units, and infrastructure. He noted that the attacks were carried out with long-range missiles and affected Russian logistics.

On August 23, Zelenskyy said that Kyiv, jointly with the United States and European partners, had developed a number of proposals to end the war. The plan provides for a ceasefire, mutual withdrawal of Russian and Ukrainian troops from the front line, and the creation of a buffer zone. Zelenskyy also said that Russia is not ready for a ceasefire regarding ships carrying agricultural products in the Black Sea. According to him, Moscow wants any deal to cover strikes on Russian oil refineries and pipelines.

Why it matters

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is responding to Russian attacks in a way that will inevitably raise the cost of the war for the aggressor. He also reported a $27 billion shortfall in army funding: by August the Ministry of Defense had fully spent the allocated financial aid and budget funds. Zelenskyy assessed that Russian strikes are hitting not only military targets but also critical civilian infrastructure — hospitals, schools, and residential buildings.

Who's affected

At the Coalition of the Willing summit on August 24, the co-chairs were French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Norway pledged to provide Ukraine with $9 billion next year, matching the record level of 2026.

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