Zelenskyy says Ukraine bracing for “big attacks” by Russia in next 24 hours Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned of imminent “big attacks” from Russia, anticipating missile and drone strikes soon and urging citizens to use bomb shelters. He highlighted Ukraine’s need for defensive weapons, particularly Patriot missile systems, to intercept Russian aerial assaults. The warning comes after a significant Russian aerial bombardment on Kyiv and an incident where a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace, striking an apartment building.

• Ukraine anticipates significant Russian attacks, potentially involving drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles, starting Friday or Saturday.
• President Zelenskyy urged citizens, especially children, to be cautious and use bomb shelters.
• Ukraine is requesting more defensive weapons, including Patriot missile systems, from the U.S. and European partners.
• A recent Russian aerial assault on Kyiv was the most significant since the war began in 2022.
• A Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and struck an apartment building, an incident attributed to Russia by NATO.
• A Russian drone also hit a Turkish-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea.
• Zelenskyy believes these attacks are intended to politically pressure Ukraine’s neighbors and test NATO’s air defense capabilities.