Zelenskyy Warns Russia May Be Preparing Major Attack

By Yusuf İnan | Wise News Press
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia may be preparing a new and “large-scale” attack against Ukraine, urging civilians to follow air-raid alerts and remain in safe places.

According to Euronews, Zelenskyy issued the warning late Friday, saying Ukrainian intelligence had obtained information suggesting that Moscow could be preparing another major wave of strikes. His remarks came after Russia reportedly used the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile during a large attack on the Kyiv region last weekend.

Zelenskyy warns of new Russian attack

Zelenskyy said in a social media post that Ukraine had intelligence indicating Russia was preparing a new large-scale attack.

“We have intelligence that Russia is preparing a new and large-scale attack,” the Ukrainian president said.

He called on Ukrainians to follow air-raid warnings and stay safe. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine’s air force and “protectors of the sky” would continue working day and night, as they have throughout the war.

The warning comes at a time when Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, increasing pressure on Ukraine’s air defense systems.

Oreshnik missile raises concern in Europe

Zelenskyy’s warning followed Ukraine’s statement that Russia used the Oreshnik missile during a major attack wave against the Kyiv region last weekend.

Ukraine said the attack involved 90 missiles and 600 unmanned aerial vehicles. The use of the Oreshnik, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, drew criticism from European leaders and renewed fears that Moscow could be escalating its long-range strike campaign.

Russia first used the medium-range ballistic Oreshnik missile in an attack on Dnipro in 2024, according to Ukrainian officials. Its reported use again has raised questions about Moscow’s willingness to deploy more dangerous systems as the war continues.

European officials have repeatedly warned that the use or threat of nuclear-capable systems adds a dangerous layer to the conflict and increases the risk of broader instability.

Kyiv region remains a major target

The Kyiv region has remained one of Russia’s most symbolic and strategic targets throughout the war.

Moscow has repeatedly attacked the capital and surrounding areas with missiles and drones in an effort to pressure Ukraine’s government, exhaust air defense ammunition and create fear among civilians.

Ukraine has relied heavily on Western-supplied air defense systems to protect major cities and critical infrastructure. However, the scale of recent Russian attacks has made ammunition supplies increasingly important.

Zelenskyy’s latest warning is therefore not only a domestic security alert, but also a renewed message to Ukraine’s Western partners about the urgency of air defense support.

Patriot systems return to the agenda

Zelenskyy also repeated his request for more Patriot air defense systems and missiles from the United States.

Patriot is one of the most advanced air and missile defense systems used to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and aircraft. Ukraine considers the system critical for defending against Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Speaking to journalists in Sweden on Thursday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was being “very persistent” in seeking additional missiles for the system.

He reportedly sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week requesting more ammunition.

In the letter, Zelenskyy said that for a nation fighting for survival, “there are few things more painful than seeing Patriot batteries without missiles loaded into them.”

Air defense ammunition becomes critical

Ukraine’s main challenge is not only obtaining air defense systems, but also securing enough ammunition to keep them operational.

Russia’s repeated large-scale missile and drone attacks can quickly drain Ukraine’s interceptor supplies. For this reason, Kyiv is asking not only for more batteries, but also for sufficient missiles, spare parts and long-term supply guarantees.

Military analysts say Russia’s strike strategy often uses waves of drones to overwhelm or distract air defenses before launching more expensive and destructive missiles.

In such conditions, systems like Patriot are crucial for protecting major cities, government centers, energy infrastructure and civilian populations.

Sweden visit highlights European security concerns

Zelenskyy’s remarks came during a visit to Sweden, where he appeared alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at an F16 air base in Uppsala.

The Ukrainian leader has continued to warn European partners that Russia’s war is not only a threat to Ukraine, but to the broader security architecture of Europe.

Sweden’s NATO membership has made Northern Europe an increasingly important part of the continent’s defense strategy. Zelenskyy’s visit and his call for stronger air defense support underline Ukraine’s effort to deepen cooperation with European allies.

The warning about a possible new Russian attack also reinforces Kyiv’s argument that continued military aid is essential for protecting civilians and preventing further escalation.

What the warning means for Ukraine

Zelenskyy’s statement suggests that Ukraine is preparing for the possibility of another major Russian strike wave involving missiles, drones or both.

Such warnings serve several purposes. They alert the civilian population, prepare emergency services and signal to international partners that the threat remains immediate.

For Ukraine, large-scale Russian attacks are not only military events. They affect energy security, transportation, schools, hospitals and daily life across the country.

The latest warning also comes as Kyiv continues to press the United States and European allies for more air defense support. Ukraine argues that stronger air defenses are necessary not only to protect military positions, but also to defend millions of civilians from Russian attacks.

Kyiv renews its appeal to partners

Zelenskyy’s renewed call for Patriot missiles reflects Ukraine’s broader concern that delays in Western support could leave the country exposed to new waves of Russian strikes.

Kyiv has repeatedly said that air defense is one of the most urgent needs in the war. As Russia increases the number and intensity of its drone and missile attacks, Ukraine’s ability to intercept them depends heavily on continued supplies from its allies.

The Ukrainian president’s message was clear: Russia may be preparing another large attack, and Ukraine needs more support to defend its cities, infrastructure and people.

The warning has placed air defense back at the center of Ukraine’s diplomatic agenda, with Patriot systems and missiles once again seen as essential to the country’s survival strategy.

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