Ukraine’s president and the U.S. embassy in Kyiv warned Saturday of a possible large-scale Russian air attack amid intelligence reports involving Moscow’s Oreshnik ballistic missile system.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Saturday that Russia may be preparing a significant missile assault involving its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, while the U.S. embassy in Kyiv issued a separate security alert cautioning Americans about the threat of a major air attack within the next 24 hours.
In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence services had received information from American and European partners indicating preparations for a possible Russian strike.
“Our intelligence services reported receiving data, including from American and European partners, about Russia preparing a strike with the Oreshnik missile,” Zelenskyy said. “We are verifying this information.”
The Ukrainian president stated that intelligence agencies were also observing signs of a broader coordinated attack involving multiple weapons systems directed at Ukrainian territory, including the capital city of Kyiv.
“We are seeing signs of preparation for a combined strike on Ukrainian territory, including Kyiv, involving various types of weaponry,” Zelenskyy wrote.
“The specified intermediate-range weapons could be used in such a strike,” he added.
Shortly afterward, the U.S. embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert warning American citizens that it had received information regarding a potentially serious air attack that could occur at any moment during the following 24 hours.
“The U.S. embassy in Kyiv has received information concerning a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next 24 hours,” the embassy stated.
The embassy advised Americans currently in Ukraine to identify nearby shelters, maintain emergency supplies, closely monitor local media reports, and immediately seek cover if air raid sirens sound.
Zelenskyy also urged Ukrainian civilians to take all air raid alerts seriously.
“It is important to act responsibly on air-raid alerts, starting this evening,” he said. “Russian madness truly knows no bounds, so please protect your lives – use shelters.”
The Ukrainian leader called on Western allies to intensify pressure on Moscow, arguing that unchecked escalation by Russia could create broader global consequences.
“If Russia is allowed to destroy lives on such a scale, then no agreement will restrain other similar hatred-based regimes from aggression and strikes,” Zelenskyy said. “Pressure must be put on Moscow so that it does not expand the war.”
Russia publicly introduced the Oreshnik missile system late last year, describing it as a new intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple warheads while evading missile defense systems.
Western officials and Ukrainian authorities have viewed the missile’s unveiling as part of Russia’s effort to pressure Ukraine and its allies through demonstrations of expanded strategic strike capabilities during the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was continuing efforts to strengthen its air defense systems in anticipation of additional Russian attacks.
“We are preparing our air defense as much as possible, and we will respond fully justly to every Russian strike,” he said.
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