Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia is shifting a significant portion of its air defense systems to protect key strategic locations, including Moscow, as Ukraine intensifies long-range drone strikes on targets deep inside Russian territory. The remarks were made in his daily video address on Wednesday, where he described what he called a growing reallocation of Russian defensive resources in response to sustained Ukrainian aerial attacks.

Zelenskyy stated that Russia is concentrating air defense assets around Moscow, the town of Valdai—located about 500 kilometers northwest of the capital and believed to host a residence of President Vladimir Putin—and the Kerch Bridge, which connects mainland Russia to Crimea. He claimed that hundreds of missile launchers have been positioned in the Moscow region alone, while dozens more have been moved to other sensitive sites, reflecting what he described as Moscow’s attempt to shield priority assets.

According to the Ukrainian president, the redeployment of air defense systems could leave other regions of Russia more exposed to Ukrainian drone operations. He said Ukraine’s long-range drones, which have increasingly targeted military and energy infrastructure, are capable of reaching distances of more than 1,500 kilometers. The intensified campaign, he added, has already contributed to fuel shortages and disruptions in Russian logistics and supply chains.

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Zelenskyy also reiterated that Ukraine’s strategy is part of a broader effort to pressure Russia toward negotiations, while accusing Moscow of continuing its military operations despite calls for a ceasefire. He referenced ongoing diplomatic engagement with international partners, including discussions at the G7 summit, and said Ukraine is seeking continued military and financial support to sustain its operations.

Meanwhile, the wider conflict continues to expand across multiple fronts. Ukrainian officials reported continued drone and missile attacks on their territory, including strikes on energy infrastructure in regions such as Sumy and Zaporizhzhia. At the same time, concerns remain about Belarus’ role in the conflict, with Kyiv closely monitoring developments along its northern border. Analysts say Belarus continues to navigate a delicate position between supporting Russia and avoiding deeper direct involvement in the war.

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