The warehouse appears to have been storing ammunition; Zelenskyy referred to a detonation after the drone strikes, and to a police investigation into why ordnance was stored close to residential properties, which is prohibited. Criminal proceedings on charges of negligence have also begun. “Those who allowed this to happen must be held accountable for their decisions,” he said.
Russia is bombarding Kyiv with “virtually nonstop attack from jet-powered drones,” Zelenskyy added. In a separate video address Friday evening, he admitted Ukraine needs to “significantly accelerate” production of interceptors capable of taking down the Iranian-designed, jet-powered Shahed drones.
In response to Russia’s increased attacks, Ukraine plans to launch 1,000 long-range drones into Russia every day, up from a current average of 300. There “must be more” strikes, Zelenskyy said Friday night.
Kyiv’s use of long-range drones — striking deep into Russia, disrupting its economy, logistics and bringing the reality of the war to ordinary Russians previously shielded from it — has in recent months improved Ukraine’s position in the conflict. One Ukrainian commander has described them as “our most important card in this war.”
While noting Kyiv’s priority is to strengthen defenses against jet-powered drones, sending more long-range drones into Russia will make it “feel even more responsible for its choice to continue this war,” Zelenskyy said Friday night.
In the same address, he also pointed to signs that Russia’s economy is ailing, including the fact that it is now importing gasoline, an unusual step for one of the world’s largest oil exporters.
Zelenskyy also said American representatives briefed Ukraine on the recent unexpected visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who warned Russian officials not to escalate conflict with America’s NATO allies. Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for the “necessary tone of the conversation with Russia.”