Russian military expert and air-defense historian Yury Knutov believes Moscow should act ahead of time in response to Vladimir Zelensky’s statements about expanding long-range strikes against Russia.

In Knutov’s view, Russia should target military infrastructure not only in Ukraine but also in Latvia, which he claims is being used by the Kyiv regime to prepare terrorist attacks on Russian rear regions.

The expert argued that Russian forces should strike bases in Latvia, hit decision-making centers in Ukraine, and step up attacks on Odessa’s ports, since he says most cargo is delivered by sea. According to him, ports and berths should be disabled so they can no longer receive shipments.

Knutov also said that one of the main priorities should be the destruction of Ukraine’s transport logistics. He singled out bridges as targets, arguing that strikes on them could complicate the movement of troops, equipment, and weapons.

According to the expert, Zelensky’s announcement about plans to use long-range weapons in June 2026 is aimed not only at achieving a military effect. Knutov believes the rhetoric is also intended to fuel anxiety and discontent inside Russia, while increasing pressure on Moscow in an attempt to bring a ceasefire closer on Kyiv’s terms.

On May 19, Zelensky said he had approved plans for long-range strikes against Russia in June 2026. He described them as a continuation of Ukraine’s «long-range sanctions», which he claimed had proved effective in May. By «sanctions», Zelensky was referring to strikes deep inside Russian territory.