Watch: Kyiv Banks on New Long-Range Weapon to Strike Deep into Russia, Bypassing Western Limits

Ukraine has developed a new long-range weapon, capable of striking deep into Russian territory without needing approval from its Western allies, according to statements from Ukrainian officials on Monday. This hybrid missile-drone system, named Palianytsia after a type of Ukrainian bread, was created in response to Russian dominance in the skies since the war began in February 2022 and the restrictions placed by Western allies on the use of their long-range missiles on Russian targets.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to a recent Russian attack on Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure—the largest in weeks—asserted via Telegram that there should be no limits on weaponry as long as Russia employs various types of its own arms.

The Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, indicated that the weapon, which was first used on Ukraine’s 33rd independence anniversary to target a Russian military installation, would see further action soon. He emphasized the necessity for long-range strike capabilities and fewer restrictions on hitting military targets in Russia.

A military video suggests the Palianytsia has a range of up to 700 kilometers (430 miles), comparable to the U.S.-supplied ATACMS, with potential targets including at least 20 Russian airfields.

Western nations have supplied long-range weapons to Ukraine but have limited their use to prevent escalation, allowing strikes only near the border. However, the Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia has been using its deeper territories as safe zones, out of reach under current restrictions.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s technology minister, in his first interview regarding the weapon, mentioned plans to increase production, deeming it a potential game-changer for targeting unexpected locations in Russia.

The development of Palianytsia, which began approximately 18 months ago, represents a significant shift from reliance on old Soviet-era projects. It features a solid-fuel booster and a jet engine, marking a significant advancement in Ukraine’s domestic military technology capabilities.

Ukraine’s response to Russian long-range weaponry has been limited, with Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, reporting that only a quarter of the 9,627 Russian missiles launched have been intercepted, many targeting civilians.

The cost of each missile is under $1 million, with efforts underway to reduce expenses further by engaging the private sector. Fedorov highlighted the rapid innovation in the private market, which has also become a primary supplier of drones used in combat and against the Russian Black Sea fleet.

Fedorov expressed that having indigenous missile capabilities would enhance Ukraine’s independence and confidence, especially given Russia’s vulnerability due to its vast size and the impracticality of defending it entirely with air defense systems. This strategic advantage allows Ukraine to consider operations deep within Russian territory.