Zelenskyy Orders Preemptive Strikes as Russia Rejects Trump Ceasefire

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered a series of preemptive long-range strikes against Russian military and energy infrastructure to pressure Moscow into negotiations. Ukrainian forces destroyed over 60,000 tonnes of ammunition at a Baltic Fleet arsenal near St. Petersburg and targeted critical radio-electronic equipment enterprises. Recent operations expanded to include the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant—a major producer of helium and ethane for rocket engines—and the Dubna Space Communications Center.

Ukraine also disabled power in Crimea's largest city and struck a Moscow oil refinery, which is expected to remain offline for six months. These strikes coincide with a 13.5% year-on-year decline in Russia's May production of petroleum products and coke. In response, the Russian government redeployed air defense systems to protect Moscow and the Kerch Bridge, leaving other regions more vulnerable.

Russia launched counter-attacks using 101 drones and guided bombs against Ukrainian cities, including Sumy and Balakliia, resulting in casualties including staff from Norwegian People's Aid. Diplomatic efforts stalled as Vladimir Putin refused an unconditional ceasefire demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump, a proposal Zelenskyy had accepted. Zelenskyy accused the Russian leadership of prolonging the war by rejecting diplomacy.