Zelenskyy approves new long-range military operations, signals tougher stance on Russia

What happened

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in his evening address on 27 May that he approved new long-range operations following a detailed meeting with top military commanders, including Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff. Zelenskyy stated these operations are designed to impose significant costs on Russia.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. According to Zelenskyy, the operations will continue to target Russia’s oil industry, aiming to reduce its capabilities if the Kremlin maintains its war efforts. He emphasized that such strikes are necessary to ensure Russia feels the consequences of its military actions through tangible losses.

Zelenskyy also commented on signs of increased Russian mobilisation efforts, citing 'so-called mobilisation orders' and military training summons as indicators of a covert and expanded conscription campaign, though these claims are based on Ukrainian observations and remain unconfirmed by independent sources.

Known from the source

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on 27 May with Oleksandr Syrskyi and Andrii Hnatov.
• Zelenskyy announced approval of new long-range military operations during this meeting.
• Zelenskyy linked these operations to targeting Russia’s war sustainability, especially its oil industry.
• Zelenskyy indicated Russia is carrying out mobilisation-like activities described as 'so-called mobilisation orders' and military training summons.
• Zelenskyy claimed Russia’s occupation force has been reduced.

What remains unclear

The president noted that Russia’s occupation force has declined, implying Ukrainian advances or attrition impacting Russian military presence, again as per his assessment in the address. This context underlines Ukraine’s intent to intensify pressure through both military and information channels.

What remains unclear: Independent verification of the new long-range operations’ scope and scale. Confirmation and details of Russian mobilisation or covert conscription activities beyond Ukrainian claims. Verification of any changes in Russian occupation force levels. Clarification on any confirmed strikes targeting the Russian oil sector linked to these new operations.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.