Ukraine launches strikes on Russian targets

The Ukrainian military is proving it can hit Russian targets almost anywhere. Fewer and fewer places feel safe inside Russia, as oil facilities, weapons factories, convoys, and bombers burn. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed Russia relocated the bulk of its air defenses to cover key areas, like central Moscow and a presidential residence, leaving other targets exposed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged 'problems' and 'certain shortages' related to the strikes, but attempted to downplay their significance. Russian forces have also hit Ukraine hard, hammering Kyiv in overnight strikes that killed at least 21 people. Troops are also still attempting to push forward along the front lines in Donetsk, despite heavy casualties. Ukraine's tools and tactics have grown increasingly sophisticated over years of war, with the country relying largely on domestically produced drones and modified missiles.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported that Kyiv has 'dramatically taken the war to Russian territory in 2026 by orchestrating a series of short-, medium-, and long-range strikes to disrupt and destroy Russian logistics and supplies.' The report estimated that Russia has suffered a massive 1.4 million battlefield casualties since its 2022 invasion. Zelensky claimed Ukraine was launching a 40-day operation to force Russia to the negotiating table.