Ukraine has launched a new class of domestically-produced drones to attack Russia, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed this on Saturday, introducing the Palianytsia drone missile as a “completely new class of weapon.” Zelensky stated that these drones would continue to strike targets within Russia until President Vladimir Putin withdraws Russian forces from Ukraine.
The Palianytsia drone, named after a traditional Ukrainian bread, is both a symbolic and strategic asset. The name itself is difficult for Russians to pronounce, a fact that has turned it into a form of password at Ukrainian checkpoints, distinguishing friend from foe. The drone is reported to be highly maneuverable and fast, equipped with a jet engine and a powerful warhead. Kyiv, which has been heavily investing in domestic drone production, hopes this new weapon will similarly confound Russian defenses.
“This is our new method of retaliation against the aggressor,” Zelensky said during a speech celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day. He expressed gratitude to the developers and emphasized that the enemy would be defeated.
Witnesses of a recent Ukrainian drone strike on an ammunition depot in Russia's Voronezh border region reported hearing the distinctive sound of a jet engine, unlike the usual drone propeller noise. This noise was later confirmed to be from the Palianytsia drone, according to Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine’s minister of strategic industries. Kamyshin noted that the development of this drone has been a year-long project aimed at enhancing Ukraine's drone capabilities.
Ukrainian drones have played a pivotal role in shifting the momentum of the war, targeting Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, providing intelligence on the Donbas front line, and striking across Russia from the Arctic to Siberia. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would only agree to peace with Russia if all lost territories were regained, dismissing speculation that Kyiv might cede some regions in exchange for peace.
Despite Ukrainian advances, particularly in the Kursk region, where they have captured significant territory and settlements, Russian forces remain on the offensive in the eastern Donbas region. Reports suggest that Russian troops are closing in on Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub for the Ukrainian army.
There are also concerns about the Ukrainian army’s dwindling ammunition supplies. Zelensky used his nightly Telegram address to urge allies to expedite military aid, emphasizing the urgent need for shells and ammunition. Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes continue to cause civilian casualties, with five people killed in Kostiantynivka near Bakhmut on Saturday.
In a positive development, Zelensky also announced a prisoner swap with Russia, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, where both sides exchanged 115 prisoners.
Comments
Post a Comment