Story perspectives

Zelensky Launches 40-Day SBU Drone Offensive, Crimea Declares Emergency

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

On 26 June 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky approved a 40-day SBU operation against Russia.
He announced it after meeting Major General Yevhenii Khmara, the SBU head, and praised the agency’s drone performance.
The Alpha special-operations unit led strikes on Russian personnel, equipment and Kerch assets, prompting Crimea’s Sergey Aksyonov to declare a state of emergency.
Russia said it shot down 660 Ukrainian drones over Moscow, Belgorod, Kursk, Crimea and the Black Sea.

History

Historical Context

In February 2014, after the Ukrainian Revolution, Putin ordered “work on returning Crimea to Russia,” and unmarked troops seized key sites, leading to a March 16 referendum where roughly 96.8% voted to join Russia. Russia integrated Crimea quickly—switching to the ruble on 1 June 2014 and investing billions. Today, President Zelensky’s 40-day SBU drone offensive echoes Kyiv’s 2014 push, prompting Governor Sergey Aksyonov to declare a state of emergency.

1 of 2

Story summary

On 26 June 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky approved a 40-day SBU operation against Russia.
He announced it after meeting Major General Yevhenii Khmara, the SBU head, and praised the agency’s drone performance.
The Alpha special-operations unit led strikes on Russian personnel, equipment and Kerch assets, prompting Crimea’s Sergey Aksyonov to declare a state of emergency.
Russia said it shot down 660 Ukrainian drones over Moscow, Belgorod, Kursk, Crimea and the Black Sea.

1 / 2