Ukraine plans to expand long-range strikes deeper into Russia and scale up special units
Ukraine plans to extend the reach of its long-range attacks on Russian territory and increase the number of units conducting deep strikes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said drones and missiles can already reach Russian targets from Yamal to Western Siberia, while the country is working to extend their range further.
Key points
- Ukraine will expand its long-range strike capabilities and scale up units conducting deep strikes.
- Russian targets from Yamal to Western Siberia are within reach of Ukrainian long-range attacks.
- The expansion will draw on the SBU, the Alpha Special Operations Centre, intelligence agencies and other Defence Forces capabilities.
- FP-1 drones reportedly flew 3,200 km and struck the Novy Urengoy plant in early autumn.
- Ukrainian strikes on October 23 and overnight into October 24 damaged facilities in Russia.
- Confirmed damage included a Proton-Elektroteks production building in Oryol, the Tolyattikauchuk complex in Tolyatti and an aircraft at Yeysk airfield.
- Zelenskyy said Ukrainian long-range capability is a guarantee of independence during the war and long-term security after it ends.
Why it matters
The planned expansion would take Ukrainian long-range operations deeper into Russia and increase the organisational capacity behind them. Ukraine is also presenting the programme as a means of preserving its independence during the war and securing the country after hostilities end. Recent strikes have reportedly damaged industrial facilities, energy infrastructure and an aircraft in Russia.
What happened
Ukraine announced plans to expand the range and reach of long-range attacks on Russian territory and to increase the number of specialised units conducting them. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian drones and missiles can already reach Russian targets from Yamal to Western Siberia, and that Ukraine is working to extend that reach further. The expansion will be based on the capabilities of the Security Service of Ukraine, including the Alpha Special Operations Centre, intelligence agencies and other components of the Defence Forces. Zelenskyy also said he had discussed the development of relevant weapons with Ukrainian manufacturers. The announcement followed a review of deep-strike operations in September and October, during which Ukrainian forces struck important Russian targets. Confirmed damage included a Proton-Elektroteks production building in Oryol, the Tolyattikauchuk complex in Tolyatti and an aircraft at Yeysk airfield. Earlier in autumn, FP-1 drones reportedly travelled 3,200 km and struck the Novy Urengoy plant in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage centres on extending strike ranges, expanding specialised units and developing weapons with domestic manufacturers. The programme is framed as both a safeguard of Ukrainian independence during the war and a long-term security guarantee for the post-war period. Recent successful strikes are presented as evidence of operational effectiveness, while the policy of answering Russian attacks with long-range strikes is portrayed as retaliation and deterrence.
Background
The announcement came after Ukrainian officials reviewed deep-strike operations in September and October and identified priority areas for the further use of long-range weapons. FP-1 drones reportedly travelled 3,200 km to reach the Novy Urengoy plant in early autumn. The planned expansion will rely on existing capabilities within the Security Service of Ukraine, including the Alpha Special Operations Centre, intelligence bodies and other elements of the Defence Forces. Zelenskyy said he had spoken with Ukrainian manufacturers about developing the relevant weapons.