Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Friday that Ukraine is anticipating significant Russian attacks involving drones and missiles within the next 24 hours, urging civilians to be cautious and use bomb shelters to stay safe.
What happened
In an exclusive interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Zelenskyy shared that intelligence indicates Russia plans to launch a large-scale assault potentially starting Friday or Saturday night. He specified the threat would include drone strikes as well as cruise and ballistic missile attacks. The president stressed the importance of civilian preparedness, including protecting children by seeking shelter during the attack window.
Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude toward the U.S. and European allies for sharing intelligence insights but noted Ukraine still faces a critical shortage of defensive weapons capable of intercepting incoming Russian missiles. In a recent letter to U.S. leaders, he requested additional Patriot missile systems following an intense Russian aerial attack on May 25 that involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile with nuclear capability—the most significant attack Kyiv has faced since the war began in 2022.
The attack on May 25 resulted in casualties and widespread damage, with Ukraine using all available anti-ballistic missile resources in response, yet highlighting a “biggest deficit” in such defensive capacities. Further Russian drone strikes targeted areas near Kyiv and along the Romania-Ukraine border, with one drone crossing into NATO-member Romania and hitting a residential building, according to Romanian officials. NATO confirmed the drone’s Russian origin and scrambled fighter jets, though Russia denied responsibility.
Additionally, a Russian drone strike injured two crew members on a Turkish cargo ship in the Black Sea. Both Turkey and Romania are NATO members, and NATO has condemned Russia’s actions, reaffirming its commitment to defend all member territories. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker condemned the drone strike over Romania and emphasized the alliance’s united defense posture.
Why it matters
The reported impending large-scale Russian attacks signal an escalation in the Ukraine conflict, raising the stakes for regional security and NATO member nations bordering Ukraine. The use of drones and advanced missiles tests Ukraine’s limited air defense capabilities, highlighting the urgent need for more sophisticated interceptors like Patriot systems.
The attacks crossing into NATO airspace risk further destabilization and political pressure on the alliance. Zelenskyy suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to intimidate NATO countries and deter them from supporting Ukraine. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the strategic dynamics involving NATO in the conflict.
Background
The Ukraine conflict has persisted since 2022 following Russia’s invasion, marked by repeated missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Kyiv has endured some of the heaviest air assaults, including the May 25 attack involving hundreds of drones and missiles that significantly tested Ukraine’s defenses. NATO has increasingly supported Ukraine politically and militarily but faces challenges managing direct involvement due to risks of escalation with Russia.
Recent incidents of Russian drones entering NATO airspace and striking member states underscore the conflict’s regional spillover dangers. The alliance continues to provide Ukraine with aid and defense resources while balancing the risk of direct confrontation with Russia.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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