Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the successful use of new long-range weapons made in Ukraine. In his nightly address, Zelensky revealed that these weapons hit a target 700 kilometers away, approximately 435 miles. However, he did not disclose any details about the nature of these weapons or whether they were used in a test or against an enemy target.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry appeared to support Zelensky’s statement in a social media post, echoing his remarks. The ministry implied that the weapons were manufactured by the Ministry of Strategic Industries.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon spokesman, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, warned North Korea against negotiating with Russia or providing it with arms. Ryder described the weapons in question as “essentially artillery ammunition” in a briefing with reporters. His statement came after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, raised concerns about Russia and North Korea actively advancing negotiations for weapons used in the Ukrainian war.
In related news, the mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that drones were shot down outside the city early on Friday. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
On an international front, British defense company BAE Systems has announced plans to open an office in Kyiv to enhance the supply of weapons, equipment, and military knowledge to Ukraine. BAE has been providing Ukraine with weapons like the L119 and M777 artillery systems. The move is expected to strengthen the collaboration between BAE and the Ukrainian armed forces, as stated by BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has lashed out at critics who have been questioning the pace of the country’s counteroffensive. Kuleba defended the efforts of the Ukrainian soldiers and accused critics of disrespecting their sacrifices. He urged the critics to come to Ukraine and try to liberate even a small portion of the territory themselves.
In other news, Russia has announced discussions with Turkey regarding an alternative to the Black Sea grain deal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, are scheduled to meet in Moscow to explore a proposal involving the financial assistance of Qatar. The plan is to process the grain in Turkey and export it to countries in need.
There have also been reports of drone strikes targeting military aircraft deep inside Russia. These strikes, presumed to have been launched by Ukraine or its proxies, hit at least six Russian cities, including Pskov. It is considered the largest airstrike against Russia since President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This attack showcased Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory. Although Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the drone attacks, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry posted a cryptic message on social media that hinted at a potential link: “Did you know that Pskov Airport is named after Kyivan Princess Olha? Oh, what a spectacularly vengeful woman she was!”
The situation between Ukraine and Russia remains tense, with ongoing military developments and geopolitical implications. International stakeholders continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and its potential impact on regional stability.