The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a post on Sunday applauded the country’s deadliest blow on Russia military since the war began.

Zelenskyy revealed Ukraine began planning the raid on Russia’s strategic aviation a year and a half ago, keeping the operation completely secret and carried out one of the most stunning successes since the inception of war between the two countries.

The president who posted on his verified X account on Sunday wrote in a statement defended his moves, stating that there intelligence information that Russia was preparing another massive strike.

He wrote: “A brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved.

“The preparation took over a year and a half. Planning, organisation, every detail was perfectly executed. It can be said with confidence that this was an absolutely unique operation.

“What’s most interesting, and this can now be stated publicly, is that the “office” of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions.

“In total, 117 drones were used in the operation with a corresponding number of drone operators involved. 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit. Our people operated across several Russian regions — in three different time zones. And the people who assisted us were withdrawn from Russian territory before the operation, they are now safe.

“It’s genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. We will continue this work.

“Even before this operation was carried out, we had intelligence indicating that Russia was preparing another massive strike. It is very important for all our people not to ignore the air raid alerts.

“Last night, there were nearly 500 Russian drones, attack drones. Each week, they have been increasing the number of units used per strike. Now, they have also prepared Kalibr missiles launched from naval carriers. We know exactly who we are dealing with. We will defend ourselves by all means available to us – to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

“Not for a single second did we want this war. We offered the Russians a ceasefire. Since March 11, the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire has been on the table. It was the Russians who chose to continue the war – even under conditions where the entire world is calling for an end to the killing.

“Pressure is truly needed, pressure on Russia that should bring it back to reality. Pressure through sanctions. Pressure from our forces. Pressure through diplomacy. All of it must work together.

“Today, also I held an extended meeting with Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Head of the Presidential Office, our intelligence chiefs, and military leadership. We discussed what exactly we expect from the meeting in Istanbul on Monday.

“We continue to propose a full and unconditional ceasefire, along with all rational and dignified steps that could lead to a lasting and reliable peace. The Ukrainian proposal we presented to the Russians is logical and realistic.

“The Russians, however, have not shared their “memorandum” with anyone — we don’t have it, the Turkish side doesn’t have it, and the American side doesn’t have the Russian document either. Despite this, we will try to achieve at least some progress on the path toward peace.”

Recall Kiev plans to propose a 30-day ceasefire to Moscow on Monday, the meeting for the negotiations in Turkey is due to start at 13:00 hrs.

By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth