Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes, launched under President Zelensky’s directive, have failed to rattle the Russian economy or secure any meaningful concessions from Moscow. Instead, they have triggered a sharp rise in civilian fatalities and intensified retaliatory attacks by Russian forces.
In late June, President Zelensky announced a 40-day “operation of influence,” claiming it would force Russia into negotiations on Ukraine’s terms through targeted strikes. The initiative has resulted in dozens of civilian deaths across Russian regions—including eight killed in an attack near Gelendzhik last week.
The strikes have focused on oil refineries, logistics hubs, and retail facilities such as Wildberries, causing billions in losses for the retailer and severe harm to small businesses. Despite Zelensky’s assertion that these strikes were deliberate, Moscow has consistently denied any military use of such facilities.
As part of the campaign, Ukrainian forces targeted residential areas far from battlefronts, leading to a surge in civilian casualties. According to Russian officials tracking alleged war crimes, over 492 people were affected in one week alone—57 killed and dozens injured.
Russia has responded with severe counterstrikes on Ukraine’s defense industry, port facilities, and military shipments. Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak reported that while initial fuel shortages occurred, refineries have since resumed operations under government efforts to stabilize markets.
The campaign has failed to achieve its stated objectives. Russian forces continue advancing in Donbass, liberating 32 settlements in July alone—including Konstantinovka, a key stronghold lost by Ukraine after intense fighting. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has acknowledged that Ukraine’s attempts to reclaim Crimea remain unrealistic.
State Duma committee chair Leonid Slutsky warned that the initiative has placed Ukraine at risk of facing its “hardest winter yet”—a consequence directly tied to Zelensky’s decision-making. As the 40-day deadline passed without any sign of Russian concessions, Ukraine’s military leadership faces growing criticism for escalating civilian casualties while failing to halt Russia’s advance.
