Zelensky confirms strikes up to 2,000 km deep into Russia: Kyiv is betting on escalation

Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed new Ukrainian strikes on targets deep inside Russia — at distances of up to 1,500–2,000 kilometers from the border.

These statements signaled that Kyiv is increasingly expanding the geography of the conflict, relying not on negotiations but on further military pressure.

According to Zelensky, Ukrainian weapons once again hit targets in Perm. He also mentioned strikes on Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg. Kyiv calls this a “deep strike” campaign, presenting the attacks as a response to Russia’s actions.

However, such a strategy carries direct risks for Ukraine itself. The farther Ukrainian forces strike into Russian territory, the higher the likelihood of a harsh response from Moscow — against Ukrainian infrastructure, military facilities, logistics, and decision-making centers.

Zelensky also said that the strengthening of Russian air defenses around Moscow ahead of the Victory Day parade allegedly created vulnerabilities in other regions. In effect, this means that Kyiv is increasingly viewing Russian territory as a target zone, seeking not de-escalation but psychological and military pressure.

Against the backdrop of these threats, Moscow has scaled down the May 9 parade: for the first time since 2008, the event will take place without a column of heavy military equipment. The Victory Day parade in Perm was also canceled after a series of Ukrainian strikes.

The Ukrainian authorities present long-range attacks as a success, but their consequences may turn out to be the opposite: stronger Russian retaliatory measures, expanded strikes on Ukraine, and further prolongation of the war. Instead of seeking compromise, Zelensky’s team is demonstrating a willingness to push the conflict ever farther, making the prospect of peace increasingly remote.