Zelensky warns of new 'massive' Russian attack, urges Ukrainians to prepare
Ukraine's president said intelligence indicates Russia is preparing a major new attack, as Kyiv voiced concern over scarce missile interceptors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he had received updated intelligence indicating Russia is preparing a "massive attack" against Ukraine, and urged citizens to heed missile warning signals.
"Please, I beg you, take care of yourselves," Zelenskiy said in his evening address to the nation, according to Romanian news site HotNews. He said Ukraine's air force and other services were ready to respond to the extent their available means of defence allowed.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine's position would depend heavily on what weapons its allies could supply to help defend against a new Russian attack, and that political will from the United States, Europe and other partners was essential.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskiy said on social media that he had discussed the threat with government, military and other state officials, and that the government had prepared additional logistical measures in response to Russian strikes on Ukraine's supply lines. The defence minister and the air force's commander-in-chief reported on the deployment of air defences and the setting up of "defensive lines" to protect designated key facilities, Zelenskiy said.
The main challenge remains shooting down Russian ballistic missiles, for which Kyiv's forces need interceptor missiles for US-made Patriot air defence systems that are in short supply because of rising demand, Zelenskiy said. He added that Ukraine was securing ammunition for F-16 fighter jets and interceptor missiles. Ukraine's air force already uses its existing F-16 jets to shoot down Russian drones, according to HotNews.
Zelenskiy said Russian strikes over the previous 24 hours had hit hospitals in the cities of Kramatorsk and Kryvyi Rih.
What we know
- Zelenskiy says new intelligence points to Russia preparing a "massive attack" on Ukraine.
- He urged Ukrainians to heed missile danger signals and take care of themselves.
- The main challenge remains intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, for which Patriot interceptor missiles are scarce.
- Russian strikes in the past 24 hours hit hospitals in Kramatorsk and Kryvyi Rih.
- Germany, Belgium and Spain are among allies supplying additional air defences and munitions.
Not yet confirmed
- The timing and scale of the anticipated Russian attack have not been specified.
Why it matters for Europe
Zelenskiy's warning comes as Ukraine tries to shore up its air defences against Russian strikes on infrastructure. On Sunday, he announced the installation of about 20 AI-operated gun turrets to shoot down Russian drones around Kyiv, including on bridges, after repeated Russian attacks on the main bridge crossing the Dnipro river in the capital.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz assured Zelenskiy on Sunday that Germany would deliver new IRIS-T air defence systems and more interceptor missiles. Ukraine is also due to receive three more F-16 fighter jets from Belgium by the end of the year, with ammunition supplied by Spain and other European countries.
Sources
Reported by 5 reports from 5 independent outlets in 2 countries.
- Știrile ProTV: Volodimir Zelenski spune că a primit informații despre un nou „atac masiv" al Rusiei împotriva Ucrainei
- Observator News: Zelenski spune că Rusia pregăteşte un atac masiv asupra Ucrainei. "Pregătim măsuri de ripostă"
- HotNews: Rușii pregătesc un „atac masiv”, avertizează Zelenski în mesajul adresat națiunii: „Vă rog, vă implor”. Ce spune deschis despre „cât ne permite” apărarea
- Știripesurse: Zelenski trage semnalul de alarmă: Rusia pregătește un atac masiv. Ucraina anunță măsuri de ripostă
- Novi list: Zelenskij: Rusija priprema “masovni napad” na Ukrajinu
Source balance
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Questions and answers
- What did Zelensky warn about?
- He said new intelligence indicates Russia is preparing a "massive attack" against Ukraine.
- What is Ukraine's biggest defence challenge?
- Intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, due to a shortage of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems.
- What support have allies pledged?
- Germany promised new IRIS-T systems and interceptors, while Belgium is sending three more F-16 jets with ammunition from Spain and other countries.
This article was written with AI assistance from 5 verified reports and checked under the ECTV editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.