Zelensky threatens to intensify long-range strikes deep inside Russia
By bellecarter // 2025-10-29
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  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced intensified attacks deep inside Russia, specifically targeting oil refineries to weaken Moscow's war machine, aided by U.S. intelligence and renewed military support.
  • While Washington assists Ukraine with intelligence for drone strikes, it denies requests for Tomahawk cruise missiles (fearing escalation) but permits British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles with U.S. targeting data.
  • Despite Ukraine's offensive strikes, Russian forces advance in Donetsk (Pokrovsk), raising concerns about Kyiv's ability to sustain both defense and offense amid dwindling Western ammunition.
  • Ukrainian drone attacks disrupt Russian fuel production, while U.S. sanctions tighten economic pressure. Trump reportedly endorsed territorial concessions for peace, but Zelensky rejects them as capitulation to Russian imperialism.
  • Ukraine's strategy risks unintended civilian casualties and Russian retaliation, with analysts warning that long-range strikes may delay—not reverse—Russian gains as global calls for diplomacy grow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans on Monday, Oct. 27, to intensify long-range attacks deep inside Russian territory, specifically targeting oil refineries, as Kyiv seeks to weaken Moscow's war machine. The declaration follows renewed U.S. military aid and comes amid reports that Washington has been assisting Ukraine with intelligence for drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. However, Ukraine continues to lose ground in eastern Donetsk, where Russian forces have advanced into Pokrovsk, raising questions about Kyiv's ability to sustain both defensive and offensive operations. Zelensky revealed that Ukrainian forces have been coordinating with arms manufacturers to enhance long-range strike capabilities, emphasizing the economic toll on Russia. "Russian oil refining is already paying a tangible price for the war—and will pay even more," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "We set tasks to expand the geography for the use of our long-range capabilities." Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged multiple Russian oil facilities, disrupting fuel production and exports. According to the Financial Times, U.S. intelligence has played a key role in these operations, with one source describing Ukraine's drone force as Washington's "instrument" to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin toward a negotiated settlement. The Trump administration has also imposed new sanctions on Russian oil firms, further tightening economic pressure, BrightU.AI's Enoch adds. Despite these efforts, Washington has so far denied Ukraine's request for Tomahawk cruise missiles—nuclear-capable weapons with a range exceeding 1,000 miles—fearing direct escalation with Russia. However, Kyiv has utilized British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, which rely on U.S. targeting data, in strikes such as last month's attack on a Russian chemical plant.

Battlefield realities and peace proposals

While Ukraine escalates its strikes inside Russia, its forces are struggling to hold defensive lines in Donetsk Oblast, where Russian troops have seized territory near Pokrovsk. Moscow has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine cede occupied regions in Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for peace—an offer reportedly endorsed by President Donald Trump in private discussions with Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader has publicly dismissed territorial concessions, framing the war as an existential struggle against Russian imperialism. Yet, mounting casualties and dwindling Western ammunition supplies have raised concerns about Kyiv's staying power. Some analysts warn that without a decisive shift in battlefield momentum, Ukraine's long-range strikes may only delay, rather than reverse, Russian advances. The conflict has already reshaped global security dynamics, from energy markets to NATO expansion. With Ukraine now threatening deeper strikes inside Russia—and Moscow warning of retaliation—the risk of unintended escalation looms larger. Recent attacks have occasionally struck civilian areas, fueling accusations of war crimes on both sides. Zelensky's latest remarks underscore Kyiv's determination to keep fighting despite the challenges. Yet, as casualties mount and Western support wavers, voices calling for diplomatic solutions grow louder. "We are working closely with manufacturers on long-term contracts," Zelensky said, signaling preparations for a prolonged war. Ukraine's vow to expand long-range strikes inside Russia marks a bold but risky strategy, aiming to cripple Moscow's economy while defending against relentless ground assaults. The Trump administration's balancing act—providing intelligence and weapons while avoiding direct confrontation—reflects the precarious nature of the conflict. As the war enters its third year, the world watches whether Kyiv's offensive tactics can alter the course of a grinding war—or if diplomatic pressure will ultimately force both sides to the negotiating table. Watch the video below where Zelesnky expresses Kyiv's urgent need for Tomahawk missiles. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

News.AntiWar.com X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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