Zelensky: Ukraine Has Its Own Weapons For Long-range Strikes Against Russia

Kiev no longer needs to coordinate such strikes with the US.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that his country now uses its own long-range missiles and no longer has to coordinate strikes on Russian territory with Washington, Business Insider writes.

At a press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on August 24, Volodymyr Zelensky said:

"Today we use domestic long-range weapons. And, frankly speaking, we have not discussed such issues with the United States for a long time."

The time when the West sent contradictory signals about Ukraine's retaliatory strikes against Russia has already passed, he said.

Ukraine used to be critically dependent on Western systems like the US ATACMS and British Storm Shadow. Their use required U.S. authorization and support, including satellite data for guidance.

For a long time, Kiev was prohibited from attacking Russian territory for fear of escalation. This frustrated Ukrainian authorities, who felt that without the ability to strike behind enemy lines, their army was "hand tied."

In late 2024, Washington did authorize limited strikes against Russia, but in August 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon had blocked the use of ATACMS for attacks inside Russia. Officially, the White House said that "the military course has not changed."

In recent years, however, Ukraine has developed its own long-range systems.

"Neptune" is a cruise missile that has already proven its effectiveness by sinking the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship "Moskva" back in April 2022.

"Flamingo" is a new Ukrainian-made missile with a range of about 3,000 kilometers and a warhead of up to 1,000 kilograms. It is capable of reaching strategic factories in Russia as far as the Urals. On August 18, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmygal announced the start of serial production of this missile. Volodymyr Zelensky added that mass production could begin as early as next February.

In addition, Ukraine is actively using drones to strike Russian energy plants and military infrastructure. Although they are slower and weaker than missiles, they also yield results in a strategic war of attrition.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com