Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing a 'massive new strike' on the country, urging citizens to heed air alerts and protect themselves. The warning comes after Kyiv endured one of the heaviest Russian bombardments since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Zelenskyy's Call to Action
In a social media message, Zelenskyy stated, '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.' He reiterated his plea to allies for Patriot missile systems to intercept Russian ballistic missiles, having written to Donald Trump and the US Congress earlier this week.
Drone Incident in Romania
A Russian drone struck an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galati, near the Ukrainian border, injuring a 14-year-old boy and a 53-year-old woman. The incident sparked a fire and drew fierce condemnation from Romania and NATO. Romanian officials called it a 'serious and irresponsible escalation.' NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed the alliance's readiness to defend every inch of its territory, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia's war had 'crossed yet another line.' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the violation of NATO airspace.
Russian Threats and UN Blacklist
President Vladimir Putin claimed, without evidence, that the drone might be a stray Ukrainian weapon. He also stated that Russia has the means to destroy anyone attacking the Kaliningrad exclave and reiterated that any location posing a threat to Russia is a legitimate target. Separately, the UN added Russia to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict, citing abuse by security forces, including the rape of male detainees.
Other Developments
A Ukrainian drone attack killed two people in a car in Russia's Belgorod region, officials reported. The region has been a frequent target of Ukrainian strikes. Moscow warned foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv, threatening escalated attacks in retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a dormitory and high school in Russian-occupied Luhansk that reportedly killed 21 people.
