Ukraine has carried out a series of long-range strikes on Russian territory, hitting an airbase and a rocket center that supports Russia's Starlink-style satellite internet network. At the same time, Moscow is demanding explanations from Washington and Ankara over a potential plan to hand over to Kyiv a “large arsenal” of U.S. weapons currently held by Turkey.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces used domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles to strike the Progress rocket center, a facility of the Russian space agency Roscosmos. He emphasized that the facility plays a crucial role in Russia's war machine by producing missile and electronics technology.
The base lies about 900 kilometers (560 miles) from the Ukrainian border, showcasing Kyiv's long-range strike capability as Zelenskyy seeks to bring the conflict closer to the Russian people. Ukrainian forces also successfully targeted the Savasleyka airbase, approximately 700 kilometers (430 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
“Our long-range response plan against Russia for this war is being implemented, and it is important that Russia's war potential be diminished. Peace is necessary, and this must be evident in Russia – through concrete damage to specific facilities,” Zelenskyy stated.
Samara Mayor Ivan Noskov confirmed that air defenses repelled a “large-scale” Ukrainian attack, but several industrial zones in the region sustained damage. In the Moscow region, a Ukrainian drone struck a house in the town of Shatura, injuring two people, including a 9-year-old child. Governor Andrey Vorobyov said the child's condition is stable.
The same day, Russia also attacked Ukraine, hitting an apartment block in the southeastern town of Marhanets. According to local officials, a 3-month-old baby was killed in the strike.
On the weapons issue, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Saturday it is seeking responses from the United States and Turkey regarding a possible transfer of a “large arsenal” of U.S. weaponry and ammunition to Kyiv. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that if the transfer proceeds, it would cause “serious damage” to Russia's relations with both nations.
