Zelensky prioritizes middle-range strikes up to 150 km, approves new long-range operations targeting Russian oil and logistics

President Volodymyr Zelensky said middle-range strikes at depths of up to 120–150 kilometers are one of Ukraine's top priorities for the coming months, and he approved new long-range operations aimed at imposing diplomacy on Russia by targeting its oil industry, military logistics, and defense production.

Zelensky made the statements in a Telegram post and a video address, following a report from Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov on the supply of all types of drones for Ukrainian operations, including long-range ones. "One of our priorities for the coming months is middle strikes – that is, targeting the enemy at a depth of up to 120–150 kilometers," Zelensky said. He specified that primary targets include enemy military logistics, depots, command posts, air defense systems, and other components of Russia's offensive activity against Ukraine. Since the beginning of this year, Ukraine has contracted five times more middle-strike capabilities than last year, Zelensky noted, and the country will continue scaling up procurement and production in this area.

Zelensky also announced the approval of new Ukrainian operations aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. "Today, I also approved our new operations – if Russia does not want diplomacy, diplomacy must be imposed on it," Zelensky said in his video address. He described Russia's oil industry, military logistics, and defense production as legitimate targets of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions." Ukrainian forces are also striking Russian enterprises that produce guided aerial bombs, which pose a particular threat on the battlefield. "We are already observing a decrease in the use of guided aerial bombs along part of the front line," the president added.

During the meeting with Fedorov, Zelensky also discussed preliminary data on Russian losses at the front in April. "The final verified data will be available in the first days of May. The task is to ensure that occupier personnel losses surpass their mobilization rate," Zelensky said. Other topics included the launch of arms exports and regulatory steps to support agreements and weapons production.