Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently received a briefing from the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Oleksandr Ivashchenko, regarding changes in the deployment of air defense systems around Moscow and Russia’s plans for temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine.
Zelensky shared this information on social media, stating, “I assigned specific tasks to the GUR regarding the Russian air defense system. We see that in recent weeks, additional rings of air defense are being established around Moscow due to the large-scale relocation of air defense units from Russian regions.”
He indicated that this development suggests the Russian leadership is not preparing for a ceasefire, despite numerous statements to the contrary, and appears more concerned about the upcoming parade in Moscow than the situation across the rest of Russia.
Additionally, Zelensky noted that these changes present new opportunities for Ukraine’s long-range sanctions, emphasizing that priorities will be defined accordingly.
The President reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to engage in genuine diplomacy and establish a ceasefire to build trust necessary for a successful diplomatic process. “Ukrainian proposals are on the table, and I am grateful to Ukraine’s partners for supporting our diplomacy and their readiness to act reciprocally. Russia must take steps to end its war and achieve real peace. Peace is needed,” he stated.
Zelensky also mentioned updated information regarding Russia’s internal assessments of losses due to Ukrainian long-range sanctions. He highlighted that the extent of direct losses and the impact on production and export processes in Russia are increasing, significantly affecting the budgets of Russian regions. “The actual bankruptcy of a significant portion of regional budgets in Russia cannot be concealed,” he remarked.
Furthermore, he discussed with Ivashchenko documents detailing Russia’s plans for the exploitation of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. He stated, “In the southern Ukrainian lands currently under occupation, Russia plans to implement similar processes of plunder and de-industrialization as those carried out in the captured Donbas region. Geological exploration is planned, along with rapid extraction and transportation of valuable raw materials from at least 18 deposits, including titanium, lithium, tantalum, niobium, zirconium, molybdenum, and graphite. The occupiers are also planning further actions to seize and transport this year’s grain harvest. We are preparing to counteract these actions,” Zelensky concluded.
President Zelensky outlined recent developments regarding Russian air defense systems and occupation strategies in Ukraine. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness for diplomatic engagement while highlighting the detrimental effects of sanctions on the Russian economy.