Zelensky Approves 40-Day SBU Campaign to Pressure Russia

On 25 June President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced, after consulting SBU chief Major General Yevhenii Khmara, the approval of a 40-day operation by Ukraine’s Security Service. Kyiv calls it an “influence” campaign using medium- and long-range drone strikes to pressure Russia to end the war.

EuronewsKyiv IndependentZelensky approves 40-day SBU influence operation targeting RussiaUnited24 MediaZelensky Approves 40-Day SSU Operation Against RussiaZelensky orders 40-day operation aimed at pressuring Russia to end the warReutersUkraine: Zelenskyy hints at 40-day offensive against RussiaThe Independent

Ukraine has expanded drone “sanctions” against Russian logistics, with the SBU’s Alpha unit targeting oil refineries and depots. President Zelenskyy, SBU chief Khmara and Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov note successes. In Crimea, Governor Sergei Aksyonov reports power cuts and fuel shortages; Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warns Kyiv of conflict.

The GuardianKyiv IndependentEuronewsUnited24 MediaZelensky Approves 40-Day SSU Operation Against RussiaZelensky approves 40-day SBU influence operation targeting RussiaSBU Says Drones Hit Russian Military Ships in New 40-Day Crimea CampaignThe Independent

Ukrainian drones hit two oil refineries in Ufa and an oil depot in Poltavskaya, then damaged the Norsi refinery in Nizhny Novgorod. In Crimea they set fire to the Project 15310 ships Volga and Vyatka and struck an S-400 system, causing power outages. Belarus switched off relay stations after Zelensky’s warning; Russian air-defence units were redeployed to protect key sites, and Russia reported intercepting 660 drones in the June 13-27 surge.

SBU Says Drones Hit Russian Military Ships in New 40-Day Crimea Campaign

The strikes hit Russia’s energy revenue and cripple Crimea’s logistics, forcing air-defence redeployment that leaves other regions less protected. Extending pressure toward Belarus signals Kyiv’s readiness to broaden the campaign, raising risk of escalation and aiming to push Moscow toward negotiations.

Euronews

Zelenskyy announced a 40-day SBU operation to influence Russia. SBU cited Alpha-unit strikes on oil sites and Kerch shipyard. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused Kyiv of trying to drag Belarus into conflict. Russian officials reported outages and said they intercepted 660 drones in June surge.

Euronews

Lukashenko charged Ukraine with attempting to pull Belarus into the war, countering Kyiv’s warnings. The Kremlin continues to reject any peace overtures, maintaining that Ukrainian strikes violate international law.

Euronews

Crimean officials reported electricity blackouts, gasoline shortages and a ban on public fuel sales, prompting reduced train services. In Belarus, relay stations used for Ukrainian attacks were removed after Zelensky’s ultimatum.

The Guardian

Investigations into the 425th assault brigade cite 26 deaths, while the regiment attributes 18 to illness, showing a casualty discrepancy. The 40-day campaign’s target list remains undisclosed, and train-reduction figures for Crimea lack precise data.

The Guardian

• “I approved a 40-day operation for the Security Service aimed at influencing the aggressor state in order to encourage it to end the war,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Zelensky orders 40-day operation aimed at pressuring Russia to end the war

• “Hell is beginning,” — Mykhailo Fedorov, Defence Minister of Ukraine

Euronews

• “The agency said drones struck the Project 15310 cable-laying ships Volga and Vyatka, as well as the passenger and cargo ferry Petropavlovsk, which it said was 96% complete, causing large fires aboard the vessels.” — Security Service of Ukraine spokesperson

SBU Says Drones Hit Russian Military Ships in New 40-Day Crimea Campaign

Ukraine says the 40-day campaign will continue, with further drone operations planned and diplomatic pressure on Russia and Belarus expected to intensify.

Euronews