Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that intelligence from the U.S. and European partners suggests Russia is preparing to use a hypersonic Oreshnik missile. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert warning of a "potentially significant" air attack on Ukraine within the next 24 hours.
Zelenskyy’s Warning and Air Defense Preparations
Zelenskyy stated in a post on X that Ukrainian intelligence services had received data about Russia’s potential strike. He emphasized that Ukraine is verifying the information and preparing its air defenses. "We will respond fully and justly to every Russian strike," he added.
U.S. Embassy Alert
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv urged American citizens to be prepared to shelter immediately if an air alert is announced. The embassy’s statement noted that a "potentially significant air attack" could occur at any time over the next 24 hours.
Russian Claims and Ukrainian Denials
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged that Ukrainian drone strikes on a college dormitory in Starobilsk, Luhansk People’s Republic, killed several people and injured dozens. Putin ordered the Russian Defense Ministry to propose responses to the strikes. Ukraine’s military denied targeting the dormitory, stating it struck a Russian military drone unit called "Rubicon." The Ukrainian General Staff accused the unit of targeting civilians and claimed Russian media spread "manipulative information."
Ongoing Tensions
The developments come amid heightened tensions, with both sides accusing the other of escalating attacks. Ukraine maintains it only targets military infrastructure, while Russia alleges civilian casualties from Ukrainian strikes.