Ukraine launches 40-day offensive as Russia declares state of emergency on Crimea after drone strikes
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Ukraine declares 40-day offensive as Russia declares state of emergency on Crimea after relentless drone strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a 40-day offensive targeting Russian military infrastructure after consulting with the head of the Ukrainian security service, escalating pressure on Moscow as Russian authorities declared a state of emergency on the occupied Crimean peninsula following sustained Ukrainian drone attacks. The move comes as Kyiv released 160 Ukrainian prisoners of war in its latest exchange with Russia, underscoring the human cost of the conflict now in its 1,584th day.
Russian authorities announced the emergency measures on Thursday, citing severe disruptions to fuel supplies and electricity across Crimea after Ukrainian drones repeatedly struck critical infrastructure. “The Crimea is an open book for Ukrainian drones,” warned Middle East correspondent Alfred Hackensberger, as local reports described widespread blackouts and fuel shortages forcing residents to queue for hours. The emergency declaration follows Kyiv’s claim that Ukrainian strikes disabled border relay stations used to direct Russian missile attacks into Ukraine, a development confirmed by multiple sources including Meduza .
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for talks but insisted Russia must take the first step toward peace, a stance echoed by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who urged European allies to intensify pressure on Moscow. “Increased pressure on Russia could force a breakthrough toward peace,” Tsahkna told reporters in Tallinn, as Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned NATO’s eastern flank faces a “highly unstable security situation” and must prepare for potential Russian escalation. Tusk made the remarks following a summit in Gdańsk with leaders from seven frontline NATO states.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for stating no Ukraine peace deal was reached during recent U.S.-Russia talks in Anchorage, calling the remarks “not very sophisticated.” The diplomatic spat follows reports that Putin welcomed Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to his private Valdai retreat just as Ukrainian strikes disrupted Russian command-and-control networks.
On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to target Russian oil infrastructure, with an elite SBU unit conducting deep strikes inside Russia, according to footage released on Thursday. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to regaining control over Crimea, stating daily pressure on Russian forces proves Kyiv is fighting for every part of the country. The Ukrainian leader also highlighted the role of medium- and long-range strikes in degrading Russia’s war capacity and restoring justice for the Crimean Tatar people.
As the conflict intensifies, regional leaders warn of potential Russian provocations against NATO states, with Kyiv Post reporting Moscow may resort to hybrid attacks to test alliance unity. The warnings come as Ukraine marks another prisoner exchange, bringing 160 POWs home, a rare moment of relief amid the ongoing devastation.
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