Zelenskyy Unveils Ukraine’s Cutting-Edge Long-Range Weapons to NATO Military Chief

On February 8, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the new Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, during his visit to Kyiv.

The visit marked the admiral’s first foreign trip in his new role. As part of the meeting, Zelenskyy showcased Ukraine’s long-range weaponry and discussed key aspects of military cooperation.

According to Zelenskyy, the two officials visited one of Ukraine’s defense industry enterprises, where the capabilities and specifications of domestically produced long-range weaponry were presented.

Among the showcased systems was the Peklo cruise missile, which has been in production since late 2024. The missile is reported to have a maximum range of 700 kilometers and a speed of up to 700 km/h. It has already been deployed in combat and continues to undergo improvements, particularly in countering electronic warfare measures and increasing targeting accuracy.

During the meeting, discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in the Ramstein format, scheduled for February 12. This meeting, for the first time, will be chaired by the United Kingdom instead of the United States. The parties also addressed the continuation of NATO member states’ military assistance and direct investments in Ukraine’s domestic production of long-range drones.

Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Admiral Cavo Dragone’s visit and reiterated the importance of NATO’s support for Ukraine’s defense industry. “It is crucial to see the real results of our efforts—not theoretical developments, but tangible outcomes that contribute to our security and are recognized by our NATO partners,” Zelenskyy stated.

Cavo Dragone, in turn, affirmed NATO’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. “Our message remains clear—NATO stands by Ukraine. We are determined to uphold our commitments and defend the values we share,” he emphasized.

Additionally, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, held a separate meeting with Admiral Cavo Dragone. Syrskyi briefed him on Ukraine’s current operational needs, emphasizing the necessity of sustained military aid. “Maintaining consolidated support from NATO allies remains a fundamental component of Ukraine’s defense strategy,” Syrskyi stated.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Peklo rocket drone entered mass production, with approximately 100 units produced in just three months. The drone, composed of 70% locally sourced components, is being procured by military units operating Ukraine’s long-range drones. The manufacturer is expanding production, addressing supply chain challenges by making components interchangeable.