Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a bold statement during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte in Kyiv. Zelensky hinted at a newly developed Ukrainian ‘drone missile’ that will bring the war back to Russia, marking his country’s independence from the old Soviet Union.
The president introduced the ‘Palianytsia’, a faster and more powerful weapon than the home-made drones Kyiv has previously used to target the Kremlin’s oil refineries and military airfields. Zelensky revealed that the new weapon has already been successfully deployed inside Russia, although he did not disclose the specific target.
In his address marking 33 years of independence, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s enemies will soon understand the Ukrainian way of retaliation – one that is worthy, symmetrical, and long-ranged. He also took the opportunity to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to him as a ‘sick old man from Red Square’ who constantly threatens others with the red button, but will not dictate any red lines to Ukraine.
Amidst escalating tensions, a state of emergency was declared in Russia’s Voronezh region following a Ukrainian kamikaze drone strike on a massive ammunition warehouse in Ostrogozhsk. Zelensky has urged allies to approve the deployment of Western weapons deeper inside Russian territory, including airbases housing warplanes that have been targeting Ukrainian citizens.
The term ‘Palianytsia’, which refers to a type of bread, has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russia. Ukrainians believe that the word is too difficult for Russians to pronounce, and it has been used humorously during the conflict as a way to differentiate between the two nations.
Independence Day holds significant importance for Ukrainians, especially during the ongoing invasion by Russia, which has sparked widespread patriotic sentiment. This year, the public holiday coincided with warnings from the US and German embassies about an increased risk of Russian missile and drone attacks across the country. While no major strikes had occurred by late afternoon, the air raid siren sounded in Kyiv as a precautionary measure.
In a positive development, both Ukraine and Russia confirmed the release of 115 prisoners of war in an exchange. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that its freed servicemen had been captured during Ukraine’s attack in the Kursk region.
As tensions continue to escalate between Ukraine and Russia, Zelensky’s announcement of the ‘Palianytsia’ drone missile marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian president’s determination to defend his country and retaliate against Russian aggression underscores the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people.
