Russia preparing ‘new massive strike’ against Ukraine — Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday that Russia is preparing a "massive new strike" against the country, urging citizens to take immediate action to "protect your lives."

"We have intelligence information about Russia preparing a new massive strike," Zelensky stated in a social media message. He implored the public to "pay attention to air alerts" and assured them that Ukrainian services, including the Air Force, are operating efficiently and remain on duty 24/7.

This warning follows a particularly severe Russian bombardment that hit Kyiv hard the previous weekend, marking one of the largest attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Moscow has also reportedly advised foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv, signaling a potential escalation of attacks as it seeks retribution for a Ukrainian strike on a dormitory and vocational high school in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, which Moscow claims resulted in 21 fatalities.

Zelensky reiterated his appeal to international allies for the supply and financing of Patriot missiles, crucial for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. He had previously communicated this request to U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress earlier in the week in response to escalating Russian aerial assaults.

In retaliation for the daily Russian bombardments, Ukraine has intensified its own strikes on occupied territories and within Russia. Meanwhile, U.S.-mediated efforts to broker a peace settlement have been stalled since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, which has increasingly captured Washington's attention and diverted resources.

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We have intelligence information about Russia preparing a new massive strike. Please pay attention to air alerts, protect your lives. Our services are working efficiently and are prepared; the Air Force and other defenders of our skies will be on duty 24/7, as always.