Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant long-range strikes targeting locations in the Moscow region, exceeding 500 kilometers from Ukraine’s borders. This statement was made during his evening address on May 17.
Zelensky detailed that the operation involved various units from Ukraine’s Defense Forces, the Security Service, and military intelligence. He remarked,
“Today, our Defense Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine, and our intelligence executed a large-scale operation in the Moscow region. A good wave of our deep strikes is providing this capability for Ukraine.”
The President emphasized the challenges posed by the Moscow region, which is heavily fortified with Russian air defense systems. He noted,
“They protect their area of authority the most. However, Ukrainian long-range capabilities are overcoming this.”
In addition to the strikes in Moscow, Zelensky reported that Ukrainian forces targeted various sites in temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea. He asserted that the enhancement of Ukraine’s long-range capabilities is altering not only the battlefield dynamics but also the global perception of the Russian war.
He stated,
“Many partners are now signaling that they see how everything has changed in terms of attitudes towards this war and the reach of Russian targets on their own territory.”
Zelensky further urged Russia to focus on protecting its oil refineries and energy facilities rather than continuing its aggressive military actions against neighboring countries like Ukraine and Moldova.
Drone Attacks in Moscow Region
Reports from the night of May 17 indicated that several cities in the Moscow region experienced drone attacks. Sources from Suspilne reported that multiple strategic targets were hit, including facilities related to Russia’s military-industrial complex and oil logistics.
Among the affected sites was the Angstrom factory, which produces semiconductor products for Russia’s defense industry and is under international sanctions. Additionally, damage was reported at the Moscow oil refinery and two oil pumping stations.
Strikes were also directed at the infrastructure of the Belbek military airfield in Crimea, with preliminary reports indicating damage to air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S2 and elements of the S-400, as well as control systems for drone operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed extensive long-range strikes in the Moscow region, emphasizing the evolving capabilities of Ukraine's military. The attacks targeted strategic sites, including defense-related facilities and oil infrastructure, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.