Zelenskiy Introduces 'Palianytsia': A Drone Missile to Retaliate Against Russia

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy introduced a new Ukrainian drone missile named 'Palianytsia' on Ukraine's Independence Day. The missile, faster and more powerful than previous models, was used for a successful strike in Russia. Zelenskiy also promoted Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, reflecting on Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, marking Ukraine's 33rd year of post-Soviet independence, unveiled a new drone missile named 'Palianytsia', intended to take the fight back to Russia. He declared the new weapon as faster and more powerful than the existing arsenal Kyiv has employed to hit Russian targets like oil refineries and military airfields.

Zelenskiy used scornful language to describe Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a 'sick old man from Red Square'. Zelenskiy emphasized that this new weapon would showcase Ukraine's 'worthy, symmetrical, long-ranged' retaliation. He confirmed a successful strike in Russia but withheld specific details.

The Ukrainian leader also announced the promotion of Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi to the rank of general, following Ukraine's significant incursion into Russia's Kursk region. This move, seen as a preventive measure against Russian aggression, marked the largest invasion of Russia since World War Two, capturing over 90 settlements.

(With inputs from agencies.)