Zelensky unveils new drone, calls Putin ‘sick old man’

Kyiv:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the deployment of a new Ukrainian “missile drone” on Saturday, claiming it would move the conflict back onto Russian soil. In his statement, Zelensky mocked Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as a “sick old man from Red Square”.

As Ukraine celebrated 33 years of post-Soviet independence, Zelensky unveiled the newly developed weapon, named Palianitsiawhich it claimed was faster and more powerful than the drones Ukraine had previously used against Russia. These previous drones have already been used to target Russian oil refineries and military airfields.

“Our enemy will soon understand what real Ukrainian retaliation means—deserved, symmetrical and long-term,” Zelensky said. He confirmed that the new weapon had successfully hit a target in Russia, although he declined to give details about its location.

In his video speech via the Telegram messaging app, Zelensky used derisive language to describe the 71-year-old Russian president and criticized Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric. “A sick old man from Red Square who constantly threatens everyone with the red button will not impose his red lines on us,” he argued.

Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has bombarded the country with thousands of missiles and drones. In response, Moscow labeled Ukraine’s retaliatory drone strikes as acts of terrorism. Currently, Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine, occupying about 18% of the country.

Zelensky urged Kiev’s Western allies to license advanced weapons deeper into Russian territory. His focus includes hitting Russian air bases that launch airstrikes in Ukraine. He said, “I want to emphasize once again that our new weapon, including Palianitsiais our practical approach, while some of our partners continue to delay their decisions.”

The name Palianitsiareferring to a traditional type of Ukrainian bread, it has cultural significance in the war. Ukrainians often use it to distinguish themselves from Russians, as the word is notoriously difficult for Russians to pronounce. Zelensky added: “It will be very difficult for Russia – not only to defend itself, but even to pronounce the name of the one who hit it.”

Supreme Commander was promoted

In a separate development, Zelenskiy promoted Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the top military commander, to the rank of general. This promotion appears to recognize Syrskyi’s role in Ukraine’s daring cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which began on August 6.

Ukraine’s operation in Kursk has been described as its biggest incursion into Russian territory since World War II, with Kiev claiming to have captured more than 90 settlements. While Russia denounced it as a provocative escalation, Zelensky defended the operation, explaining that it was a precautionary measure aimed at preventing Russian plans to seize the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy.

In a joint press conference with the leaders of Poland and Lithuania, Zelenskiy revealed that the operation also included the capture of prisoners of war and the creation of a “neutral zone”. However, he noted that there were additional targets that he could not disclose publicly.

Polish President Andrzej Duda confirmed that the PT-91 Twardy tanks, which Poland supplied to Ukraine a year ago, were actively participating in the fighting in the Kursk region. Duda expressed pride at seeing Polish tanks defending Ukraine on the battlefield.

Russia has strongly condemned the use of Western weapons in Ukraine’s operations inside Russian territory, with Putin vowing a “worthy response” to the invasion.

Independence Day and heightened tensions

Independence Day has taken on even greater significance for Ukrainians amid the ongoing invasion, which has sparked a wave of patriotic fervor. This year, the holiday came in the shadow of warnings from the US and German embassies about the increased possibility of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.

As of 2200 local time, no major hits had been reported, but air raid sirens sounded at least twice in Kiev during the afternoon and evening.

In addition to military developments, Zelensky ratified the Rome Statute on Independence Day, signaling Ukraine’s intention to join the International Criminal Court. The move is part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to join the European Union, a goal that Kiev considers a top priority.

Zelensky also introduced legislation banning religious groups with ties to Russia, providing a legal framework to ban a branch of the Orthodox Church considered pro-Russian.

In a positive development amid the ongoing conflict, both Ukraine and Russia announced the successful exchange of 115 prisoners of war. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the freed Russian servicemen were captured during Ukraine’s operations in the Kursk region.

Zelenskiy’s revelations Palianitsia The drone missile and its continued defiance of Russian aggression underscore Ukraine’s determination to resist and claim its territory, even as the war continues. The Ukrainian president remains steadfast in his commitment to secure greater support from Western allies while advancing Ukraine’s national and international goals.