"Attacks are strikes deep inside Russia", Zelensky: Only in this way can we negotiate on equal terms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that intensified attacks on military targets inside Russian territory are giving Kiev a stronger negotiating position and the opportunity to end the war on equal terms with Russia.

Speaking in Kiev at a joint conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had made significant progress in long-range strikes.

According to him, Ukraine has recently managed to hit a target at a distance of 1,100 kilometers inside Russian territory, describing this as a concrete result of the growing capabilities of the Ukrainian military.

"Our power is being felt today on the battlefield. We have made significant progress in deep strikes. Today we have reached a target 1,100 kilometers away, and this is not an isolated case," Zelensky declared.

He warned that Russia should expect similar responses for any attacks it carries out on Ukraine with missiles and drones.

"They should know that if they use drones and missiles against us, we will do the same. It is only a matter of time before we can increase the scale of our responses," the Ukrainian president said.

Zelensky also spoke about the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, arguing that this would be in the long-term security interests of the region, and even of Russia itself.

"I believe that the Russians also need Ukraine to be in NATO, because in the future it could be painful for Russia if Ukraine is not part of the Alliance," he said.

Zelensky's statements come at a time when Ukraine has intensified attacks on military targets and strategic infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, while the war between the two countries continues with no signs of an imminent diplomatic solution.

The GeoPost