"After receiving a report from General Yevhenii Khmara on the plans for long-range and medium-range strikes and the results achieved by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), particularly by the Alpha Special Operations Center at the front lines, I approve the launch of a 40-day pressure campaign to force the enemy to end hostilities," President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on 25/6.

In recent times, Ukraine has used the terms "long-range strikes" and "medium-range strikes" to describe unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks targeting Russian energy and transport infrastructure. "Medium-range" typically refers to areas controlled by Russia since 2014, while "long-range" is used for targets deep within Russian territory.

President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking in Kyiv in 11/2025. Photo: AP

The Ukrainian President did not elaborate on the campaign's specifics but emphasized that Alpha forces are effectively using UAVs to hold the front lines while inflicting significant damage on Russian personnel and equipment.

In recent weeks, Kyiv has repeatedly launched strikes targeting logistics systems, energy facilities, and targets in the Crimea peninsula and areas Moscow gained during the conflict, as well as urban areas deep within Russian territory.

UAV attacks have forced the Moscow oil refinery to halt operations, exacerbating fuel shortages in Russia. Reuters, citing informed sources, reported that the Moscow oil refinery would need to remain closed for at least 6 months for repairs.

Tula Governor Dmitry Milyayev stated on 26/6 that a UAV attack damaged the industrial zone in Novomoskovsk, a city home to many chemical plants.

Oil storage tanks in the Moscow region explode during a Ukrainian UAV attack on 16/6. Photo: Meduza

Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed head of Kherson province, reported that the region is experiencing total or partial power outages following Ukrainian strikes.

The strike campaign aimed at isolating the Crimea peninsula has also disrupted many critical supply routes for Russian forces on the peninsula, causing widespread power outages in many areas. Crimea leader Sergei Aksyonov stated that the number of train services to the peninsula would gradually decrease, and children's summer camps have also ceased operations.

In Sevastopol, on the Crimea peninsula, local authorities are rationing electricity to prevent system overload after Ukraine repeatedly targeted energy infrastructure. Sevastopol Mayor Mikhail Razvozhayev on 24/6 condemned Ukraine's strikes on the peninsula's energy infrastructure as "malicious," aiming to "sow panic."

Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, Kyiv Independent)