Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the development of a new Ukrainian “drone missile” on Saturday, which he claims will shift the conflict back into Russian territory. During his address, Zelenskiy derided Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a “sick old man from Red Square.”
As Ukraine marked 33 years of post-Soviet independence, Zelenskiy introduced the new weapon, named Palianytsia. He described it as faster and more powerful than previous drones used against Russia, which have targeted Russian oil refineries and military airfields. Zelenskiy confirmed that the new weapon had already successfully struck a target in Russia, though he withheld specifics about its location.
In a video address via Telegram, Zelenskiy mocked Putin’s nuclear threats, stating, “A sick old man from Red Square who constantly threatens everyone with the red button will not impose his red lines on us.” Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has used thousands of missiles and drones against Ukraine, labeling Ukrainian retaliatory drone attacks as terrorism. Currently, Russian forces occupy about 18% of eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskiy has been pressing Kyiv’s Western allies to allow the use of advanced weaponry deeper into Russian territory, including striking Russian airbases that attack Ukraine. He emphasized the practical approach of their new weapon, Palianytsia, while noting delays from some partners.
The name Palianytsia, referring to a traditional Ukrainian bread, symbolizes cultural resistance. Zelenskiy added, “It will be very difficult for Russia—not just to defend itself, but even to pronounce the name of what struck them.”
In a separate development, Zelenskiy promoted Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi to the rank of general, recognizing his role in Ukraine’s significant cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, launched on August 6. The operation, described as Ukraine’s largest invasion of Russian territory since World War II, involved capturing over 90 settlements and creating a “buffer zone.” Polish President Andrzej Duda confirmed that PT-91 Twardy tanks supplied by Poland were actively engaged in the fighting.
The operation has been met with condemnation from Russia, with Putin promising a “worthy response” to the incursion. Amidst the conflict, Zelenskiy ratified the Rome Statute on Independence Day, signaling Ukraine’s intent to join the International Criminal Court and pursue EU membership.
Zelenskiy also enacted legislation banning religious groups with ties to Russia, targeting a pro-Russian branch of the Orthodox Church. Both Ukraine and Russia announced the successful exchange of 115 prisoners of war, with Russia confirming that the freed servicemen were captured during Ukraine’s Kursk operation.
Zelenskiy’s introduction of the Palianytsia drone missile and his ongoing defiance against Russian aggression highlight Ukraine’s determination to resist and reclaim its territory while seeking greater support from Western allies.
