- Zelenskyy commends the innovation of a novel missile type.
It appears that Ukraine has unveiled a potent weapon to counter Russia, as claimed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He posted on Facebook, "Yesterday, the initial combat operation of our latest weapon - the long-range rocket drone known as 'Palyanytsya' - was a success." This tool is equipped to hit Russian airfields, from which their fighter jets and bombers take off to bomb Ukrainian cities and towns.
Over the course of its large-scale invasion that spanned 2.5 years, Russia has launched approximately 10,000 various rockets and over 33,000 guided missiles at Ukraine, Zelenskyy recounted, highlighting the devastating impact of Russian aerial attacks. Now, Ukraine has a tool to curb the offensive power of Russia's air force.
The creation of this rocket-drone hybrid took 1.5 years, as per Zelenskyy. He did not reveal the Palyanytsya's range. He announced plans to expedite its production. The day prior, Zelenskyy had announced the introduction of this new weapon.
Historically, Kyiv has approached its Western allies for authorization to employ long-range weapons against Russian territory, which includes targeting military airfields in Russia. However, these nations have declined due to the possibility of getting dragged into the conflict.
Zelenskyy did not disclose the location where the new rocket-drone hybrid was deployed. Military analysts suggest that the Palyanytsya might have been utilized for the first time against a munitions storage facility in the Voronezh region. Reports on Saturday hinted at a fire at a munitions depot in Ostrogozhsk district due to a drone strike.
Despite Russia's relentless aerial attacks on Ukraine, causing significant damage, Ukraine's new weapon, the Palyanytsya, could potentially shift the tide of the war. With the ability to hit Russian airfields, this long-range rocket drone could diminish Russia's offensive power in the air.
