Zelenskyy says Ukraine bracing for “big attacks” by Russia in next 24 hours

Zelenskyy Warns of Looming Russian Offensives

Zelenskyy says Ukraine bracing for big attacks - In a recent interview with CBS News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine’s preparedness for a major Russian assault, stating that the nation is set for "big attacks" to occur within the next 24 hours. The warning came during a segment of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," where Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of defensive measures. He described the impending strikes as a critical phase in the ongoing conflict, which has already spanned over three years. The president’s remarks highlight the persistent threat posed by Russian forces and the need for immediate action to protect civilian populations.

Intelligence Points to Diverse Russian Attack Tactics

Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has intercepted intelligence suggesting a coordinated assault involving drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons. The information, shared by U.S. and European allies, indicates that Russia is planning a multifaceted offensive targeting key infrastructure and urban areas. "Our people must be very, very careful, cautious, and children — and they have to use bomb shelters," he stated, underscoring the necessity of emergency preparedness. The president noted that the timing of the attack is uncertain, with a "high percent" chance of occurring either tonight or tomorrow night, though he acknowledged that absolute certainty remains elusive.

"Today at night or tomorrow at night, high percent — of course, nobody knows 100% — but there is a high percent," Zelenskyy said.

The intelligence highlights the evolving nature of Russian military strategies, which now include the use of hypersonic ballistic missiles—weapons capable of nuclear strikes. These advanced systems, combined with drones, pose a significant challenge to Ukraine’s defenses. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the intelligence support from Western partners, stating that their collaboration has been vital in anticipating the attacks. However, he stressed that Ukraine requires additional resources to counter the incoming threats effectively.

Ukraine's Defensive Gaps and Requests for Support

During the interview, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s current shortcomings in defensive capabilities, particularly in intercepting Russian missiles. He mentioned a recent aerial assault on Kyiv, which he described as the most severe since the war began in 2022. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, involved 600 drones and numerous cruise and ballistic missiles, including an intermediate-range hypersonic missile with nuclear potential. "We used all our weapons, what we have, what we produce, and of course we used anti-ballistic missiles," he explained, noting that the assault exposed a critical shortage of defensive systems.

"It's the biggest deficit for us," Zelenskyy said of the recent attack.

In response, the Ukrainian leader has urged the U.S. to accelerate the delivery of Patriot missile systems, which he believes would enhance Ukraine’s ability to neutralize Russian firepower. A letter addressed to Congress and President Donald Trump, dated Tuesday, underscored this request. Zelenskyy framed the attack as an "especially cruel massive strike," resulting in two fatalities and 83 injuries. He argued that the assault exemplifies Russia’s determination to escalate pressure on Ukraine, even as it tests the resolve of its NATO allies.

Escalating Threats Beyond Kyiv: Border and Naval Incidents

The attacks are not limited to Kyiv. Russian forces have launched strikes on infrastructure near the Romanian-Ukrainian border, with one drone crossing into Romanian airspace and striking an apartment building in Galați. The Romanian defense ministry confirmed the incident, attributing it to Russian origin. This event has sparked concern among NATO members, with several countries expressing support for Romania’s stance. However, the U.S. has yet to officially confirm the drone’s responsibility, despite NATO’s affirmation of its involvement.

"We detected and tracked the Russian drone, but it entered Romanian airspace only minutes before striking the apartment building in Galați," said a senior NATO military official.

American Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday to condemn the attack, stating, "We stand with our NATO Ally Romania and condemn this reckless incursion on its territory. Our thoughts are with the injured in Galați. We will defend every inch of NATO territory." This reaction aligns with NATO’s broader condemnation of Russia’s "reckless behavior," as the alliance pledged to protect its members from further aggression.

Russia's Strategic Push to Pressure Allies

Zelenskyy suggested that the attacks are part of a deliberate effort by Russian President Vladimir Putin to exert political pressure on Ukraine’s neighbors. He argued that the use of drones and missiles near NATO borders is a calculated move to influence the alliance’s response. "Russia uses this just to attack politically, by weapon, pressure on NATO countries to look at the reaction," the president explained. He believes that the collective response of NATO nations has been inconsistent, with Putin aiming to gauge how the alliance will react to such threats over time.

"I think the reaction has to be more strong from the unity of NATO countries, and I think that Putin is comparing how this reaction and how it's changed during this one year or two years, three years," Zelenskyy added.

Furthermore, Zelenskyy posited that the attacks are also a test of NATO’s air defense capabilities. "He's testing what air defense they have," he said, noting that the strikes aim to assess whether allies can effectively intercept all incoming missiles and drones. This dual objective—both military and political—has intensified the stakes for Ukraine and its international backers. The president’s statements suggest that the attacks are not just tactical maneuvers but a broader strategy to destabilize the alliance and weaken its support for Ukraine.

International Reactions and Future Implications

While NATO has affirmed the Russian origin of the drone, the U.S. has yet to formally declare its responsibility. This hesitation may reflect the alliance’s cautious approach to attributing attacks, though it has not diminished the urgency of the situation. The incident in Galați has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of NATO’s eastern flank, with Ukraine’s leaders calling for greater solidarity among members to counter Russian aggression.

Separately, a Russian drone also targeted a Turkish-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea, injuring two crew members. This strike, occurring in a region of strategic importance, underscores the widening reach of Russian attacks. Both Romania and Turkey are NATO members, and their involvement in the conflict highlights the alliance’s growing entanglement in the war. Zelenskyy’s interview, which will be broadcast on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sunday, provides a comprehensive look at Ukraine’s strategy and the challenges it faces.

The president’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the critical role of international support in sustaining the war effort. With attacks intensifying and the threat of further aggression looming, Zelenskyy’s calls for unity and reinforcement of defenses are more urgent than ever. The coming days will test the resolve of NATO nations, as they balance diplomatic efforts with military preparedness in the face of a determined adversary.

Zelenskyy’s interview also shed light on the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict. He emphasized that Russia’s actions are not only about territorial gains but also about shaping the international response. "This is what I think," he said, referring to the test of NATO’s defenses. The president’s vision of a coordinated and resolute alliance response is central to Ukraine’s survival, as it navigates a war that has already claimed thousands of lives and reshaped the region’s security landscape.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring that Ukraine’s defenses are bolstered and that its allies remain united