Zelenskyy announces stronger long-range Ukrainian strikes on Russia

He stated this on Telegram.

Zelenskyy reported receiving a briefing from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, regarding the situation at the front, particularly in the Donetsk region, where the enemy's main forces are concentrated. 

Intense fighting continues especially in the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions. Zelenskyy thanked the Special Operations Forces, the 59th and 5th Assault Brigades, and the 225th Assault Regiment for their resilience and effective actions.

The president emphasized that every enemy breakthrough attempt must be met with strong firepower.

"Every Russian attempt to advance must receive an adequate fire response from Ukrainian forces. In particular, we are eliminating Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups trying to infiltrate Ukrainian towns and villages. No such Russian groups will have a chance of survival," he wrote.

Syrskyi and Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal also discussed strengthening the army.

"Today, the Commander-in-Chief and the Minister of Defense discussed what forces and resources are needed for more effective destruction of the occupiers and more impactful long-range Ukrainian strikes. We will ensure this to the fullest," Zelenskyy stressed.

He reminded that the situation remains tense in the border areas of Sumy and Kharkiv regions, as well as in the south, where Russia continues to attack civilians with drones.

"We will respond to them (the Russians – ed.) decisively," the president assured.

• On July 18, President Zelenskyy appointed Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and assigned him three key tasks in the new position. In particular, the president tasked Umerov with continuing to work with partners on securing arms agreements.