Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that intelligence indicates Russia is preparing a fresh large-scale attack, and he urged international partners to expedite deliveries of air defence systems and Patriot missiles to protect civilian lives. In a post on X on Sunday, Zelenskyy said the new strike appears timed ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara.
Intelligence Points to Imminent Massive Strike
“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 stated. He called on Ukrainians to remain vigilant and heed all air raid warnings.
Delays in Air Defence Missiles Cost Lives
Zelenskyy stressed that any delay in supplying air defence missiles, particularly for Patriot systems, directly results in lost lives and encourages Russia to continue the war. “Separately, to partners: any delay with missiles for our air defense - missiles for Patriots - means the loss of lives, and it encourages Russia to continue the war,” he said.
Global Air Defence Resources Sufficient, Decisions Needed
The Ukrainian leader emphasised that sufficient air defence resources already exist globally, but prompt decisions are required from the United States and other partner countries. “The world has the necessary quantity and quality of air defense. What is needed are your decisions to ensure the real protection of lives in Ukraine. Above all, these are, of course, decisions by the United States, decisions by the strong countries in Europe and around the world,” he said. “Please be active in your decisions and protect lives. Missiles for Patriots are needed not in warehouses right now, but in Patriot units in Ukraine. I thank everyone who is providing real help.”
Putin Claims Capture of Konstantinovka as Strategic Victory
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday described the capture of Konstantinovka in Ukraine's Donetsk region as a strategically significant victory, calling it “the first, but very important stage” in dismantling Kyiv’s remaining positions in the region. Speaking at a military command post after receiving a briefing from senior commanders, Putin said the city's capture would pave the way for further advances in Donetsk. Russian officials claimed their forces overran heavily fortified Ukrainian positions after weeks of fighting.
Recent Russian Attacks Kill Civilians, Including Children
Zelenskyy condemned Russia's recent attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a strike on Sumy that killed four people, among them a child. He also reported drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia that killed two people and injured several others, while Kharkiv, Dnipro and Donetsk also came under attack. The president urged the United States, Europe, the G7 and G20 to increase pressure on Russia and strengthen Ukraine's air defence capabilities.
