Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia may be preparing a large-scale attack on Ukraine, citing the latest intelligence reports. According to Zelensky, Kyiv is already implementing countermeasures and strengthening the protection of key sites. He also called on Ukraine’s allies to provide additional air defence resources.
The warning comes amid an ongoing exchange of drone and missile attacks between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow has recently indicated plans to conduct further strikes on Ukrainian military and industrial targets.
Ukrainian intelligence receives new information
Zelensky said Ukrainian leadership has obtained new information from intelligence services indicating preparations for an extensive Russian strike.
According to the president, Ukrainian security agencies and air forces are preparing a response within the limits of their current defensive capacities. Air defence of important facilities is being strengthened.
“We are preparing countermeasures,” Zelensky stated in response to the latest intelligence reports.
The claim regarding a planned attack comes from the Ukrainian side. The scale and timing of a potential strike have not been independently verified.
Kyiv braces for a new wave of attacks
Ukraine is currently reinforcing the protection of its critical infrastructure. Zelensky said the military is securing air defence for key sites, while the government is working to equip F-16 aircraft and obtain additional air defence systems.
Air defence remains one of the top priorities where Kyiv is seeking assistance from its allies.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s ability to withstand the anticipated assault will largely depend on the defensive means delivered by the United States, European countries, and other partners.
Warning follows large-scale attacks
Tensions have risen after a series of extensive Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian authorities have recently reported disruptions to infrastructure and other targets. Zelensky said that Russian attacks in the past 24 hours have also struck hospitals in Kramatorsk and Kryvyi Rih.
Russia claims its attacks target military, defence, and related infrastructure facilities. Moscow also says it is responding to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
Ukraine targets Russian energy sector
In recent days, Kyiv has openly announced continued attacks on Russia’s oil sector.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine aims to intensify strikes on Russian refineries in response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. He added that Ukrainian forces do not intend to deliberately target civilian sites.
Ukrainian drones have repeatedly hit Russian refineries, fuel depots, and other energy facilities in the past. According to Ukrainian leadership, one of Kyiv’s objectives is to limit Russia’s revenues from its energy sector.
Aktualizovane.sk previously reported on massive Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory, including a record attack that struck a refinery in the Moscow area.
Russia may use both missiles and drones
The exact makeup of the anticipated attack has not yet been confirmed.
According to news agency Unian, citing its sources, Russia may be preparing 35 ballistic and five hypersonic missiles. However, this information has not been independently verified and should not be considered as a confirmed measure of the planned assault.
In recent months, Russia has also significantly increased its use of attack drones. Newer jet-powered versions are reportedly faster than older models, presenting an additional challenge to Ukraine’s air defences.
Russia is deploying Geran-5 jet drones against Ukraine, with usage increasing sharply over the summer according to available data.
Escalation of drone attacks on both sides
While Kyiv braces for a further Russian strike, Ukraine has carried out large-scale drone attacks against targets in Russia.
Russian authorities reported on October 6 that hundreds of Ukrainian drones were heading toward the Moscow region. Russian officials said their air defences shot down most of them. There were also reports of casualties and damage to civilian sites. These details have been provided by Russian officials and have not been independently verified.
The reciprocal attacks now extend far behind the front lines, targeting energy facilities, logistics, military infrastructure, airports, and other strategic installations.
Zelensky calls for further allied support
The Ukrainian president again stressed the importance of foreign military aid.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s ability to respond to another major Russian attack will also depend on the available air defence systems and ammunition. Defending Ukrainian airspace, therefore, remains a key focus of Kyiv’s talks with its allies.
The situation remains uncertain. Ukraine is preparing for an attack suggested by new intelligence, but it is not yet clear when it might occur or how extensive it will be.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
