Zelensky announces 40-day offensive and urges Putin to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the social media platform X that Russia must leave Ukraine and take a step toward peace after authorising a 40-day offensive aimed at pressuring Moscow to end the conflict. He noted the decision was taken after consulting the head of Ukraine’s security service.

Zelensky added that Ukraine has presented proposals to its key partners and that a meeting with Russian officials is possible, emphasizing that ending the war is achievable if Russia acts.

The announcement follows recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure, including attacks on two oil refineries in Ufa, about 1,500 km from the front line, and an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, roughly 300 km from Ukraine. Ukrainian forces also reportedly hit a military plant in Volgograd with long-range Flamingo cruise missiles.

Russia’s defence ministry reported intercepting 660 Ukrainian drones in a large nighttime attack across several Russian regions, Crimea and surrounding seas, though details on damage remain limited.

"Russia must get out of Ukraine with its war – we want no war," Zelensky wrote.

The statements come ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, where Ukraine expects further diplomatic support.