**Title: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Plans to Intensify Drone Strikes Against Russia**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a significant escalation in Ukraine's military strategy against Russia, calling for the deployment of at least 1,000 drones daily to target Russian positions. This ambitious plan represents a more than threefold increase from the current estimated 300 drone strikes per day, as Ukraine continues to respond to ongoing Russian attacks.
In a recent evening address, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased military action, stating, “There needs to be more. There is a concrete goal, and we will fulfil this task.” His remarks come amid a backdrop of intensified hostilities, with Russian forces conducting deadly strikes across various regions of Ukraine.
The escalation in drone strikes is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to counteract the significant damage inflicted by Russian military operations. Recent reports indicate a surge in casualties due to these attacks, with several fatalities and injuries reported across different regions. In the Kyiv region, for instance, at least one person was killed and two others injured due to a drone strike early on Friday, as reported by regional Governor Tymur Tkachenko.
The northeastern Sumy region also suffered from a drone strike that resulted in the death of a 61-year-old man and injuries to seven others, four of whom required hospitalization. In Kherson, located in southern Ukraine, Russian air and artillery attacks overnight led to the death of another 61-year-old man and injuries to 11 others, including a child. Additionally, shelling in the Kharkiv region resulted in the deaths of two individuals, a 26-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, with 13 others injured, including two children.
In a related development, Zelenskyy addressed the recent visit of U.S. intelligence chief John Ratcliffe to Moscow. The Ukrainian president confirmed that Kyiv had received information from the U.S. regarding the meetings held in Moscow but did not provide further details. The Kremlin acknowledged Ratcliffe's meetings with Russian intelligence officials but clarified that there were no discussions with President Vladimir Putin.
The CIA director's visit marks a rare instance of high-level direct intelligence engagement between the United States and Russia, occurring amidst stalled peace negotiations. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its support and the tone of its discussions with Russia, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing the ongoing conflict.
In addition to increasing drone strikes, Ukraine has also targeted Russian infrastructure. Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 1,000 kilometers from the front line. He noted the "high effectiveness" of these operations, which aim to disrupt Russia's military production capabilities and reduce its fuel supplies and export revenue.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community remains watchful of developments in Ukraine and Russia. The situation on the ground remains fluid, with both sides preparing for further military actions in the coming days. Zelenskyy's call for increased drone strikes signals a determination to intensify Ukraine's defense efforts and respond decisively to Russian aggression.