Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed he has been informed of Russia preparing for a “massive attack” on Ukraine as he has issued a “stay safe” warning to all regions after reports it will be carried out tonight
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a warning to all of the country
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a warning to all of Ukraine to “pay attention” after being tipped off over Russia’s plans for a “massive attack” – and it could happen tonight (July 29).
Zelenskyy posted on X urging all regions of Ukraine to listen out for air raid alerts and “stay safe” over reports of Putin’s forces planning a major strike on the country.
The Ukrainian President did not go into details of the attack but stated the information from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko, noted Russia had spent days preparing for this “massive attack” that Zelenskyy believes has a “high probability” of happening tonight.
Strike on Sloviansk, Ukraine, earlier this week(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Zelenskyy also said used the post to speak directly to US officials such as Donald Trump and other partners, once again asking for Patriot missiles to support Ukraine’s defense.
In the post on X, Zelenskyy said: “I received a report from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko. The Russians prepared a massive attack several days ago, and there is a high probability that the strike will be carried out tonight. It is important that our partners fully understand what is happening and that the protection of lives directly depends on their readiness, or lack thereof, to help us with air defense missiles.
“First and foremost, this concerns the United States and those partners that have Patriot missiles and can provide them to support our defense. Every partner knows what is needed and fully understands the consequences of marking time. Please, in all regions of Ukraine, pay attention to air raid alerts today and stay safe.”
Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump earlier this week(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
The post comes after Ukrainian forces hit two of Russia’s biggest oil refineries overnight in the latest long-range strikes as Kyiv deepened its economic, military and diplomatic pressure on Moscow.
Ukraine’s almost daily long-range drone and missile strikes using domestically developed weapons have battered Russian oil facilities for months. The operation has brought a fuel crisis that is embarrassing the Kremlin more than four years after Russia’s all-out invasion of its neighbour.
The overnight attacks started fires at a Lukoil refinery in Russia’s Perm region, more than 900 miles from Ukraine, and a refinery in Ryazan, about 180 miles from the border, Ukraine’s Security Service and General Staff said in separate statements.
Ukrainian drones also struck Russia this week (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Ukraine’s recent high-profile successes against Russia have impressed Washington and helped restore US goodwill after Trump’s reluctance at the start of his second term to continue to support Kyiv. That stance had raised the spectre of Ukraine and Europe having to stand up to Russian aggression alone.
Zelenskyy said he had a “good meeting” with the American president, and Trump described the meeting as a “Great Honor”. The talks took place behind closed doors.
“Many things were discussed. The meeting went very well!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Zelensky said he also had a meeting in Washington with representatives of both parties in the US Senate, with more than 60 senators in attendance, as Ukraine pushes for more sanctions on Russia. He also met representatives of Lockheed Martin, days after he welcomed a delegation from Raytheon to Kyiv.
The US weapons manufacturers are a crucial source of sophisticated weaponry, such as Patriot air defence systems, that Ukraine hopes to make itself. Mr Trump said earlier this month he would grant Ukraine licences to manufacture the Patriots it needs to counter Russia’s ballistic missiles.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is discussing joint production and technology exchange with both Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
Ukraine is ready to share its cutting-edge — and battle-tested — drone technology. Its swift technical innovation has paid dividends as it helps pin down Russia’s bigger army on the front line and denies it supplies by hitting rear areas.
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