FM: Ukraine surpassed Russia in long-range strike capabilities

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said Ukraine has evolved into a “global drone power” and is now capable of sustaining long-range strike capabilities and expanding defence production, as the war with Russia continues.

In a post on X, Sybiha said Ukraine is “holding the line” despite ongoing Russian air attacks on civilian areas, adding that the country has significantly expanded its domestic defence industry, Caliber.Az reports. 

Great to be back in Antalya for @AntalyaDF. My gratitude to my friend @HakanFidan for the invitation.

During #ADFtalks with @EndaBradyTV, I stressed that despite Russia’s ongoing air terror against our civilians, Ukraine holds the line.

We have evolved into a global drone… pic.twitter.com/ZKtrulIYTf

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) April 17, 2026

During discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Sybiha said Ukraine had surpassed Russia in certain long-range strike capabilities and claimed territorial gains in recent months.

He said Ukraine’s defence industry is now producing “thousands of drones daily” and is prepared to further increase output with additional investment.

“With our defense industry producing thousands of drones daily, we are ready to double output with further investment. Our goal is clear: make the price of war impossible for Russia to sustain.”

Sybiha also warned that global trade and energy routes remain interconnected, arguing that disruptions in regions such as the Black Sea or the Strait of Hormuz have worldwide consequences.

“The world is interconnected; a blockade in the Black Sea or the Hormuz Strait sends shockwaves everywhere,” he said, adding that Ukraine has shifted from being primarily a grain exporter to a broader “global security partner.”

He said Ukraine is now sharing defence expertise with partners in the Gulf and other regions to help counter aerial threats and protect freedom of navigation. Calling for a more multilateral global order, Sybiha rejected “zones of influence” in international politics.

“True security requires a multilateral world, not 'zones of influence'," he wrote. 

He also suggested Türkiye could play a mediating role in efforts to end the war, including potential future talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and possibly U.S. President Donald Trump.

Sybiha also accused Russia of using foreign nationals in the conflict and called for strengthened international cooperation to uphold global security and protect maritime routes.

By Sabina Mammadli