Zelensky Assesses Strike on Moscow Region and Announces Diplomatic Push

Address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

According to ХВИЛЯ: On the 1,544th day of the war, President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered his evening address, evaluating a long-range strike on the Moscow region and outlining a busy week of diplomacy ahead. The attack hit targets over 500 kilometers away, marking a significant milestone for Ukrainian forces. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's defense forces, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and intelligence agencies carried out the operation despite the Moscow area being heavily fortified with Russian air defense systems.

Successful Strikes and Diplomatic Initiatives

The president's remarks came amid successful operations in temporarily occupied territories, particularly in Crimea. The SBU confirmed a strike on the Belbek military airfield, destroying several key assets:

• A Pantsir-S2 air defense system
• A hangar containing an S-400 radar unit
• An Orion drone control system
• A Forpost UAV control station

On the night of May 17, Ukrainian drones also hit the Moscow Oil Refinery, the Solnechnogorsk oil depot, Sheremetyevo Airport, and several microelectronics plants, including the Angstrem factory in Zelenograd. The president noted that the distance to these targets exceeded 500 kilometers-a notable achievement given the dense air defenses protecting the Moscow region.

“They guard their seat of power most fiercely. But Ukraine’s long-range capabilities are already overcoming that,” Zelensky stated.

Concluding his address, the president announced an active diplomatic week ahead, involving contacts with European leaders and preparations for talks with the United States.

“This week, we will have a significant number of contacts with Europeans-in various formats, including at the leadership level,” he added, stressing the need for substantial political outcomes.

Zelensky also noted that the war is “predictably returning to its ‘home harbor,’” sending a clear signal to Russia about the consequences of its aggression: “It’s not worth messing with Ukraine or waging an unjust war of conquest against another people.” Serhiy Sternenko, an advisor to the Minister of Defense, warned that Moscow itself could come under attack.

The current situation underscores Ukraine’s significant progress in developing military technology and strategy, enabling long-range strikes on Russian targets. The announced diplomatic week could prove pivotal in securing international support, shaping the conflict's trajectory and Ukraine's standing on the global stage. As these events unfold, a surge in Ukraine's diplomatic efforts amid escalating military tensions in the region is expected.

In addition to the recent developments in the Moscow region, President Zelensky also confirmed drone strikes on Perm, further demonstrating Ukraine's expanding operational reach. For more details on this strategic escalation and Russia's response, you can read about it here.