Ukraine Expands Attacks Beyond Borders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukrainian forces, equipped with advanced missile systems, are now carrying out military operations inside Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions. This is a new step in the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelenskyy made the statement during his daily evening address to the nation.
“Russia is still refusing a comprehensive, long-term ceasefire — all of our partners are already tired of these manipulations,” he stated. Ukraine is steadfast on the front lines and will continue to act “both on the front lines and on Russian territory,” he continued.
By saying, “The war must be felt where it began,” Zelenskyy sent a strong message that Ukraine is ready to respond directly inside Russia. These words show that Ukraine wants Russia to experience the effects of the war more closely.
These military operations in Russia are happening at a time when Ukraine faces continued attacks on its own territory. Russian missiles and drones have been striking Ukrainian cities and towns for many months, causing damage and casualties. Now, Ukraine is fighting back more directly.
Ukraine Pushes for Stronger Missile Development
President Zelenskyy recently chaired a meeting in his capacity as Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Top Ukrainian officials talked about accelerating the creation and manufacturing of their country’s own ballistic missile systems at the conference.
Zelenskyy stated that “Our long-range strike capabilities are a clear and effective guarantee of Ukraine’s security.” This shows that Ukraine believes it needs powerful missiles to protect itself from further Russian aggression.
Ukraine already has a strong drone program. The country has been producing millions of drones, also known as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), which have helped Ukrainian forces during battles. These drones have been used for surveillance and attacks, helping Ukraine keep track of enemy movements and hit targets.
However, developing powerful missiles is more difficult. While Ukraine has big goals for building long-range missiles, it still depends a lot on weapons provided by Western countries. This is due to the difficulty of producing missiles domestically. Ukraine faces problems such as lack of materials, limited technology, and ongoing wartime conditions that affect factories and workers.
Even with these problems, Ukraine is determined to improve its missile strength. The focus on long-range strike power means Ukraine wants to hit important military targets far away — not just near the front lines.
F-16 Fighters and Donetsk Battles in Focus
Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jet program was the subject of a separate meeting with President Zelenskyy. These are modern aircraft that Ukraine hopes will help protect its airspace and improve its military operations. Some of these jets have already arrived in Ukraine, while others are expected soon.
The meeting covered several topics, including how the jets will be used, where they will be stationed, and how Ukrainian pilots are being trained to fly them. These preparations are a key part of Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its air force.
At the same time, there are mixed reports about the situation in Russia’s Kursk region. On 26 April, Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed that the town of Gornal had been “liberated from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.” However, Ukraine’s military command said that fighting is still going on in that area.
Back in Ukraine, the fighting remains intense, especially in Donetsk Oblast. This region has seen some of the heaviest battles since the war began. Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces are continuing to defend their positions, particularly near the city of Pokrovsk and other key points.
Ukrainian soldiers are holding their ground despite ongoing Russian attempts to advance. The region remains a central point of conflict, and the Ukrainian military is focusing a lot of attention there.
Zelenskyy’s recent speeches and meetings show that Ukraine is not only defending itself but also trying to push back with stronger weapons and new strategies. By increasing its missile production and using new fighter jets, Ukraine is aiming to gain the upper hand, even while facing many challenges.
For now, the facts remain clear: Ukrainian forces are active in Russian territory, missile development is accelerating, and key battles continue in Donetsk and other regions.