KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine has successfully tested a long-range drone capable of striking targets up to 3,000 kilometers away, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday, as the country advances its defense capabilities amid ongoing war with Russia.
“There is good news regarding long-range drones: our 3,000-kilometer-range drone has successfully passed testing,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. “I am grateful to the developers and manufacturers. We are advancing a line of long-range capabilities that will help guarantee the security of our state.”
The president also reported positive results from the use of Ukraine’s long-range Neptune missiles but stressed the need for increased production of drones and missiles. He said discussions on expanding defense manufacturing, with support from European partners, would take place this week.
“Ukraine’s defense production capacity, combined with partner investments—primarily from Europe—forms a reliable foundation for a new security architecture on our continent,” he said.
Ceasefire Proposal and Diplomatic Efforts
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s support for a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, saying Kyiv agreed to the plan “immediately,” but that its implementation is being delayed by Moscow.
“For a week now, Putin has been unable to say ‘yes’ to the ceasefire proposal,” Zelenskyy said. “He’s saying whatever he wants, but not what the whole world wants to hear. Pressure is needed to finally make Moscow accept that their war must be brought to an end.”
The Ukrainian leader said he discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts with French President Emmanuel Macron, including preparations for talks with European leaders and coordination ahead of a scheduled conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Additionally, Zelenskyy said he spoke with Argentine President Javier Milei, informing him about the situation on the front lines and calling for Argentina’s support in diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Military and Domestic Initiatives
Zelenskyy also met with newly appointed Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to discuss restructuring Ukraine’s military corps system.
Beyond military affairs, he highlighted domestic resilience efforts, including the opening of a Mathematics Museum in Kyiv alongside First Lady Olena Zelenska. He called for similar educational initiatives to be expanded across Ukraine, despite the challenges posed by war.
“Children across Ukraine need equal access to education and all educational opportunities,” Zelenskyy said. “Right now, in wartime conditions, this is extremely difficult—but achievable. And after the war, it must be ensured even more so.”
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to defend its sovereignty and build a secure future.
“Ukraine will preserve its independence,” he said. “A just peace must be achieved.”
