President Zelenskyy: Each strike reminds us of the need for long-range capabilities

“Today, I started the day with a separate long conversation with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi – discussing in detail the repulsion of this missile attack, our response to Russia – we are preparing it, the use of F-16s, and the ongoing operation in the Kursk region,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on August 26.

Dear Ukrainians!

The aftermath of the Russian strike is still being dealt with. In total, there were more than 120 missiles of various types and over a hundred Shahed drones. The missiles were launched from various locations, including the airspace over Kursk and Belgorod regions, other Russia’s border areas, the Black Sea, and the territory of our occupied Crimea. Each of these strikes repeatedly brings us back to the task of long-range capabilities – the need to provide our Defense Forces with enough long-range weapons that can destroy terrorists exactly in the areas of their strikes. This is the optimal counter-terrorism tactic, one that every partner of ours has the right to and would undoubtedly use to protect themselves. And we expect decisions from them – decisions on our long-range capabilities. The physical presence of our Forces in the Kursk region and our active efforts to eliminate the Russian threat on its own territory are also a way to compensate for the deficit of long-range capabilities.

Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine