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Zelenskyy Warns of Massive Russian Strike Ahead of NATO Summit, Urges Faster Patriot Missile Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia could be preparing a fresh large-scale attack in the coming days, prompting renewed calls for Western allies to speed up deliveries of advanced air defence systems and Patriot missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia could be preparing a fresh large-scale attack in the coming days, prompting renewed calls for Western allies to speed up deliveries of advanced air defence systems and Patriot missiles.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence agencies have detected signs that Moscow may be planning another major assault ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara.
“Intelligence once again indicates that the Russians are preparing a new massive strike. This is typical of Putin: right after America’s Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara. Russia wants to bring more evil and kill people,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader urged citizens to remain alert and strictly follow air raid warnings as concerns grow over potential attacks targeting civilian areas.
“Please stay safe and heed any air raid alerts,” he appealed.
Zelenskyy Presses Allies for Patriot Missiles
Zelenskyy also intensified his appeal to Ukraine’s international partners, stressing that delays in supplying air defence equipment could have deadly consequences.
According to the Ukrainian president, Patriot missile systems are critical for protecting cities and civilian infrastructure from Russian missile and drone attacks.
“Any delay with missiles for our air defence – missiles for Patriots – means the loss of lives, and it encourages Russia to continue the war,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasised that adequate air defence resources already exist globally, but political decisions are needed to ensure these systems reach Ukraine without delay.
“The world has the necessary quantity and quality of air defence. What is needed are decisions that ensure the real protection of lives in Ukraine,” he stated, calling on the United States, European nations and other partners to act swiftly.
Russia Claims Strategic Gains in Donetsk
The warning comes as Russia claims new battlefield gains in eastern Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently described the capture of Konstantinovka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region as a significant military achievement, calling it “the first, but very important stage” in weakening Kyiv’s remaining positions in the area.
Russian authorities said their troops seized heavily fortified Ukrainian defences following weeks of intense fighting, potentially opening the door for further advances in Donetsk.
Recent Attacks Intensify Pressure on Ukraine
Zelenskyy also condemned a series of recent Russian attacks across Ukraine, including a strike in Sumy that reportedly killed four people, among them a child.
Additional drone attacks were reported in Zaporizhzhia, where two people lost their lives and several others were injured. Ukrainian officials also reported attacks affecting Kharkiv, Dnipro and parts of Donetsk.
As the conflict continues, Zelenskyy urged the United States, Europe, the G7 and G20 nations to increase pressure on Moscow while strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
With fears of another large-scale Russian offensive mounting, Kyiv is seeking immediate support from allies to bolster its air defence shield and protect civilians from escalating attacks.
