Zelensky approves 40-day SBU influence operation to force Russia to end war

Zelensky approves 40-day SBU influence operation to force Russia to end war

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Thursday, June 25, 2026, that he has approved a 40-day influence operation conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to pressure Russia into ending the war. The announcement followed a meeting with Major General Yevhen Khmara, the acting head of the SBU, during which Zelensky received briefings on the agency's strategic plans and battlefield performance.

The operation is described by Zelensky as being aimed at compelling the aggressor state to end the conflict. While specific details of the influence operation were not provided, the decision came after reports on the SBU's long-range sanctions and medium-range sanctions plans. Zelensky has previously used the term long-range sanctions to describe drone strikes targeting Russian military facilities, arms facilities, and oil and gas industry installations.

The SBU's role has expanded significantly on the front lines. According to Zelensky, the agency has demonstrated the highest performance in defending Ukrainian positions for several months in a row through the use of various drones. He specifically highlighted the Center of Special Operations Alpha, noting that the elite unit leads in the number of Russian personnel and equipment neutralized.

This intelligence-led strategy coincides with an intensifying campaign against Russian critical infrastructure. Ukraine has targeted the Russian oil industry to disrupt logistics and revenue. This has contributed to a fuel crisis across Russia, with authorities in more than 20 regions imposing restrictions on gasoline sales.

Recent strikes demonstrate the scale of these operations. On Wednesday night, June 24, 2026, Ukrainian drones reportedly hit an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, 180 miles from Ukraine, and two oil refineries in Ufa, located 930 miles from the front line. Additionally, overnight drone attacks have struck 12 Russian regions, with significant assaults in the Black Sea, Azov, and Crimea regions.

Zelensky noted that Russia is shifting its air defenses to protect key sites, including the Kerch Bridge—a vital supply route to the Crimean Peninsula—and Valdai, where a residence for Vladimir Putin is located. In the Moscow region, Russia has amassed hundreds of air defense missile launchers, while nearly 90 launchers were redeployed to Valdai from other regions. Zelensky suggested these movements leave other areas of Russia vulnerable to long-range drones capable of flying more than 930 miles.

Beyond the offensive operations, Zelensky and General Khmara also discussed challenges related to Ukraine's internal security. The president expressed gratitude for the protection of the state and its citizens.

The 40-day operation comes as Kyiv seeks to offset Russia's manpower advantage by striking deeper into logistical networks and targeting personnel and equipment. This escalation follows a period where Ukrainian drones have hit major cities, including St Petersburg and Moscow.

Looking ahead, Zelensky has recently stated that negotiations with Russia would resume, though he specified they would take place in a different format.