Russia must pay for the war with casualties: Zelenskyy announces new operations
27 May 22:51
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he has approved new long-range operations against Russia. The head of state made the announcement in an evening address on May 27 following a meeting with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Zelenskyy held a meeting with Syrskyi and Hnatov
On Wednesday, May 27, the president held a detailed meeting with the military command. It was attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy announced that he had approved new Ukrainian long-range operations.
According to Zelenskyy, such operations are necessary so that Russia “gets the sense” that it will pay for the continuation of the war with its own losses.
“I have approved our new long-range operations—this is what is needed to make Russia feel that it will have to pay for the war with its own losses. The Russian oil industry will continue to shrink if Russia chooses war,” the president emphasized.
Earlier, Zelenskyy also spoke about “long-range plans” for June and stated that Ukraine must “creatively develop Ukrainian long-range sanctions,” which have already shown results in May.
Focus on pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy linked the new long-range operations to the need to increase pressure on Russia. According to him, strikes on sectors vital to Russia should demonstrate to the Russian leadership and society that the war will not go unpunished.
The president specifically mentioned the Russian oil industry. The energy sector remains one of Russia’s key sources of revenue, which Moscow uses to finance the war against Ukraine.
According to the head of state, if Russia continues to choose war, its oil industry will continue to shrink.
SBU Report: Internal Security in Ukraine
In his evening address, Zelenskyy also mentioned a report from the Security Service of Ukraine. According to him, Major General Khmara reported, in particular, on internal security.
The president emphasized that Ukraine will continue operations against those who aid the enemy.
“There was a report from the SBU—by Major General Khmara—specifically regarding internal security here in Ukraine. We are continuing operations against those who have chosen not Ukraine, but to aid the enemy. Ukraine will be tough on them,” Zelenskyy stated.
This part of the address concerned not only the war on the front lines but also countering internal threats, particularly the activities of individuals collaborating with the aggressor state.
Russia is trying to compensate for its losses
Zelenskyy also stated that Ukrainian authorities see signs that the Russian political leadership is looking for ways to compensate for losses on the front lines.
According to him, Russia’s occupying forces have been reduced, and the Russian authorities are issuing more mobilization orders, summoning citizens to so-called “military training sessions,” and using other mechanisms of covert mobilization.
“Their occupation force has now been reduced. They are sending out so-called mobilization orders in greater numbers, summoning Russians to so-called ‘military training sessions,’ and adding other methods to continue this de facto covert mobilization on a larger scale,” the president said.
Zelenskyy stated that information about Russia’s actions will be shared with international partners. Ukraine views this as proof that Moscow is not abandoning the war but, on the contrary, is seeking new human resources to continue it.
“We will provide this information to our partners; it is a clear argument that the pressure on Russia is insufficient,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
In Kyiv, officials expect that such data could serve as an additional argument for intensifying sanctions, political, and military pressure on Russia.
Long-range operations as part of Ukraine’s strategy
Ukrainian long-range operations have become one of the tools for exerting pressure on Russia’s military and economic infrastructure. In previous statements, Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that such actions impact Russia’s ability to finance the war and sustain its military machine.
Separately, the president previously stated that Ukraine’s long-range sanctions against Russia have already demonstrated their effectiveness, and plans for June are intended to build on this momentum.
Ukraine is working to strengthen its air defense
In addition to long-range operations, Ukraine continues to work with partners to strengthen its air defense.
Earlier, Zelenskyy reported on a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which they discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, particularly its anti-ballistic capabilities.
This issue remains critically important amid regular Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, energy facilities, logistics, and civilian infrastructure.
