Zelensky confirms deep strikes on Russian space center and air base

On August 15, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces executed long-range strikes against strategic targets deep inside Russia. The strikes hit the Progress Space Rocket Centre in the Samara region, a key enterprise of the Russian state corporation Roscosmos, and the Savasleyka airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The Progress center produces Soyuz launch vehicles and Earth observation satellites used for military reconnaissance, while Savasleyka hosts MiG-31K fighters that carry Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. Zelensky also confirmed an attack on an oil facility in the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region, over 800 kilometers from the border, with necessary damage recorded. These strikes are part of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" campaign, which combines deep military strikes with economic and legal pressure on infrastructure sustaining Russia's war effort. The campaign aims to limit Moscow's capacity to continue the war by targeting oil refineries, military-industrial facilities, and logistics networks. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has succeeded in blocking off Russia's south through military operations in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. On August 14, he signed sanctions against individuals and companies involved in illegal grain exports from occupied territories and vessels used in those operations. Ukraine has also prepared new sanctions packages targeting Russia's military-industrial sector, financial networks, and intermediaries. Zelensky called on international jurisdictions to replicate these measures and urged that frozen Russian assets be used to benefit Ukraine. The strikes on August 15 coincided with drone activity in occupied Crimea, where local reports indicated power outages in Sevastopol and a fire in the Balaklava area. Russian occupation authorities did not immediately comment. The Progress center is one of Russia's key rocket and space enterprises, producing Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicles used to deploy the Rassvet satellite constellation, which Russia positions as an analogue to Starlink. The Savasleyka airfield is used to base MiG-31K fighters, which are carriers of Kinzhal missiles. The strikes demonstrate Ukraine's expanding capability to hit targets far beyond its borders, with the Samara region located roughly 700 kilometers from Ukraine and Ust-Luga over 800 kilometers away. The campaign is designed to force Moscow toward peace by making the infrastructure supporting the war increasingly vulnerable. Zelensky has repeatedly described these deep strikes as a tool for compelling Russia to end its occupation and attacks on Ukraine. The "long-range sanctions" plan is being implemented, with more mid-range strikes also occurring. The economic pressure includes sanctions on entities involved in the illegal export of Ukrainian grain from occupied territories, as well as vessels used in those operations. Ukraine's measures are intended to be replicated by major international jurisdictions, with broader restrictions on Russian companies, individuals, and those assisting them. The strikes on the Progress center and Savasleyka airfield are significant because they target facilities that directly support Russia's military capabilities, including satellite communications and missile delivery systems. The damage to these facilities could degrade Russia's ability to conduct reconnaissance and launch precision strikes. The attack on the oil facility in Ust-Luga is part of a broader effort to disrupt Russia's energy revenues, which fund the war. The campaign has been ongoing, with previous strikes on Russian oil refineries and other facilities. The Ukrainian military's General Staff confirmed the strike on the Progress center, noting a direct hit and subsequent fire. The extent of the damage is being assessed. The strikes on Russian territory have escalated tensions, but Ukraine maintains that they are necessary to defend against Russian aggression and to pressure Moscow to end the war. The international community has been divided on the issue, with some supporting Ukraine's right to self-defense and others expressing concern about escalation. However, Ukraine has continued to expand its operations, demonstrating its resolve to use all available means to counter Russian aggression. The "long-range sanctions" campaign is a key component of Ukraine's strategy, combining military strikes with economic and legal measures to weaken Russia's war machine. The campaign is expected to continue, with more strikes and sanctions planned. The situation remains fluid, with the full impact of the strikes yet to be determined. The strikes on August 15 mark a significant escalation in Ukraine's deep-strike capabilities, targeting facilities that are critical to Russia's military operations. The Progress center and Savasleyka airfield are high-value targets, and their successful engagement demonstrates Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russian territory. The campaign is likely to have long-term consequences for Russia's military capabilities and its ability to sustain the war. The strikes also send a message to Moscow that Ukraine will not be deterred and will continue to target infrastructure that supports the war effort. The "long-range sanctions" plan is a comprehensive approach that combines military, economic, and legal pressure, and it is being implemented with increasing intensity. The international community will be watching closely to see how Russia responds and whether the campaign will lead to a de-escalation or further escalation. The strikes on August 15 are a clear demonstration of Ukraine's determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they are likely to have significant implications for the course of the war.