Zelenskiy Announces 40‑Day Campaign

On 25 June 2026 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the start of a four‑week operation designed to pressure the Russian Federation into ending its war against Ukraine. After consulting with Yevhen Khmara, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Zelenskiy approved the plan and announced it publicly on his Telegram channel.

The campaign is described as a series of coordinated strikes that will target Russian military assets, weapons production sites and critical oil and gas infrastructure. Ukrainian officials refer to these actions as “long‑range sanctions,” highlighting the strategic use of drones and other precision weapons to apply economic and military pressure on the aggressor state.

This initiative follows months of medium‑range and long‑range attacks that Ukraine has already carried out against targets inside Russia and in Russian‑occupied territories. The focus on energy facilities seeks to disrupt the revenue streams that fund Russia’s war effort, while the targeting of arms depots aims to diminish its capacity to sustain offensive operations.

By limiting the operation to a defined forty‑day window, Kyiv intends to create a clear timeline for diplomatic engagement. The expectation is that sustained pressure will encourage Russia to reconsider its position and move toward a negotiated settlement. Zelenskiy emphasized that the operation is a tool to “influence the aggressor state” and to push for an end to hostilities.

The announcement underscores Ukraine’s reliance on both conventional and unconventional tactics in its defence strategy. It also reflects the close coordination between the presidential office and intelligence agencies, as the SBU plays a central role in planning and executing the strikes.

International observers note that the campaign signals Ukraine’s resolve to continue its fight on multiple fronts, blending battlefield actions with economic pressure. The outcome of the forty‑day effort will likely influence subsequent diplomatic talks and could shape the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.

Looking Ahead

As the operation unfolds, the international community will watch closely to assess its impact on Russia’s military capabilities and its willingness to negotiate. The success of Zelenskiy’s strategy may set a precedent for how nations combine kinetic and economic measures to achieve security objectives.