Zelenskyy Warns Russia Prepping 'Massive' New Attack
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- Zelenskyy said intelligence indicates Russia is preparing a "massive" new attack, urging Ukrainians to listen for air raid alerts and trust air force defenders working "around the clock."
- The warning follows Russia's deployment of its nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in a wave of strikes on the Kyiv region last weekend, which Ukraine said included 90 missiles and 600 drones.
- Zelenskyy reiterated his call for additional Patriot air defense systems from the US, writing to Trump earlier this week to request more ammunition for the interceptors.
- Speaking to reporters in Sweden on Thursday, Zelenskyy described himself as "very persistent" in pursuing new Patriot missiles, calling it painful to see "Patriot batteries with no missiles loaded."
- The Oreshnik, first used by Russia in a strike on Dnipro in 2024, drew strong criticism from European leaders after its latest use.
Why it matters: Zelenskyy's warning comes after last weekend's 690-munition barrage (90 missiles, 600 drones) and a renewed public push to Trump for more Patriot interceptors — Ukraine's primary defense against the ballistic missiles Russia is now deploying against it.
