Zelensky promised Russia a 'long-range' response after massive strike on Kyiv
Ukraine will respond to the massive Russian attack on Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast that occurred on the night of August 20. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the reaction of the Defense Forces will be "fair and long-range".
The head of state emphasized that Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities will not go unanswered. At the same time, Zelensky did not disclose possible targets, timing or means that could be used by the Ukrainian side.
"There will be a response to this Russian strike. A fair and long-range one", — the president stated.
Russia used missiles and drones
At night, Russian forces carried out a combined attack on Kyiv and the region using strike drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. For much of the day, rescuers, utility services and energy workers were eliminating the consequences of the strikes in the capital, Brovary and Boryspil.
As a result of the attack, civilians were killed and injured. Residential buildings, commercial and infrastructure facilities were damaged, and large-scale fires broke out. In some districts of Kyiv there were power outages, and after damage to critical infrastructure facilities, the authorities also warned of possible problems with water supply.
The strikes also affected enterprises in Kyiv Oblast. In particular, damage to warehouse and fuel facilities was reported. Some enterprises were forced to temporarily stop operations.
Zelensky pointed to problem with intercepting ballistic missiles
Commenting on the results of air defense operations, Zelensky separately drew attention to Russian ballistic missiles. According to him, such targets currently remain the most difficult for Ukrainian air defense.
The president said that during the massive attack, Ukrainian forces managed to intercept about 90% of Russian cruise missiles, but the situation with ballistics was significantly worse.
In this regard, Ukraine is seeking additional supplies of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv is ready not only to receive weapons as part of assistance, but also to purchase the necessary missiles from partners.
According to the president, the necessary stockpiles exist among allies, but political decisions are needed for their transfer to Ukraine — primarily from the United States.
What the "long-range" response statement means
The president did not reveal specific details of future operations. Ukraine systematically uses its own long-range means to strike facilities that support Russia's military potential, but information about the targets of such operations is usually published after they are carried out.
Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stated that the development of long-range capabilities is one of the tools of pressure on Russia and should increase the cost of continuing the war.
At the same time, Zelensky's current statement directly links Ukraine's further actions to the massive attack on the capital and Kyiv Oblast on August 20.
Based on materials from: Office of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky
