Mykhailo Podolyak, the adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has asserted that the recent drone attacks in Russia signal a shifting of the conflict’s focus onto Russian territory. However, the official refrained from explicitly claiming responsibility for the attacks that occurred last night.
Referring specifically to the drone strikes targeting the northwestern Russian region of Pskov, which resulted in aircraft damage and grounded flights, Podolyak emphasized that the progression of the conflict into Russian territory seems unstoppable.
While not directly assuming responsibility for these attacks, Podolyak affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to refraining from utilizing partner weaponry to strike Russian land and emphasized that their actions align with the principles of defensive warfare.
Dismissing appeals to avoid launching strikes on Russian soil as “absurd,” he maintained this stance.
Providing context, the drone assaults that took place on Wednesday marked the most extensive attack on Russian soil by drones since the commencement of the conflict. These attacks affected six Russian regions, including Moscow. In the city of Pskov, near the Estonian border, drones targeted an airport, resulting in damage to several transport planes. Despite the attacks, Russian officials have not reported any casualties and claim to have effectively thwarted the majority of the strikes.
Over the recent weeks, Ukraine has exhibited a growing inclination to target strategic locations within Russian territory from the air, even in the face of assaults on its own cities. This marks a new phase of the conflict wherein Kyiv seemingly aims to erode domestic Russian support for the war.
In a parallel development, Kyiv authorities have alleged that Russia subjected the Ukrainian capital to a “massive” overnight bombardment.”