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

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

Ukraine's Preparedness for Incoming Strikes

Zelenskyy says Ukraine bracing for big attacks - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned CBS News on Friday that his nation is poised for "major assaults" by Russian forces within the coming days. The leader emphasized the urgency of the threat, stating that attacks could occur as early as Friday or Saturday night. This alert comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Zelenskyy highlighting the critical need for vigilance and readiness among Ukrainian citizens.

"Our people must remain vigilant and cautious, especially children," he stated. "They have to use bomb shelters, because today at night or tomorrow at night, there is a significant probability of an attack, although no one can say for certain."

Intelligence Sharing and Defensive Needs

In an exclusive interview with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has gathered intelligence suggesting Russia’s next strike will combine aerial and missile assaults. This includes the use of drones, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, with a particular mention of an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile capable of nuclear strikes. The information underscores the evolving nature of the conflict and the strategic importance of timely warnings.

"Our people have to be very, very careful, cautious, and children — and they have to use bomb shelters," he said, "because today at night or tomorrow at night, high percent — of course, nobody knows 100% — but there is a high percent."

Recent Attack on Kyiv

Zelenskyy described a recent large-scale assault as the most severe aerial strike on Kyiv since the war began in 2022. According to the president, Russia deployed 600 drones and multiple cruise and ballistic missiles during the attack, which resulted in two deaths and 83 injuries. He noted that Ukraine utilized all available defensive systems, including anti-ballistic missiles, but stressed the challenge of countering the sheer volume of incoming threats.

"We used all our weapons, what we have, what we produce, and of course we used anti-ballistic missiles," Zelenskyy said. "It's the biggest deficit for us."

Cross-Border Assaults and NATO Response

While Kyiv faced intense bombardment, Russia also targeted areas near the Romanian border, intensifying pressure on Ukraine’s allies. A drone reportedly entered Romanian airspace and struck an apartment building in Galați, according to the Romanian defense ministry. Several NATO nations have linked the attack to Russian forces, though the United States has yet to officially confirm the attribution. NATO jets were scrambled to intercept the drone, and a spokesperson confirmed its origin.

"NATO concurs that the drone was Russian, and NATO jets were scrambled," said Martin O'Donnell, the alliance's spokesperson.

Strategic Implications for NATO

A senior NATO military official explained that the drone was "detected and tracked" by the alliance’s systems but entered Romanian airspace only minutes before striking the target. This incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of NATO’s air defenses and the broader geopolitical strategy behind Russia’s actions. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy suggested the attacks are not just military moves but also political tools designed to sway NATO’s stance.

Zelenskyy's Analysis of the Attacks

According to Zelenskyy, Russia’s assaults are part of a calculated effort to pressure Ukraine’s neighbors into withholding support. He argued that these attacks aim to provoke a response from NATO members, demonstrating the consequences of inaction. "Russia uses this just to attack politically, by weapon, pressure on NATO countries to look at the reaction," he stated. The president also believed the attacks could serve as a test of NATO’s collective defense capabilities.

"He's testing what air defense they have," Zelenskyy said. "Can they destroy all the missiles or drones? This is what I think."

Requests for Additional Defensive Support

Zelenskyy reiterated his call for more defensive weapons, specifically the Patriot missile system, in a letter to Congress and President Trump dated Tuesday. He cited the recent attack as evidence of Russia’s willingness to escalate, emphasizing the need for stronger solidarity among NATO allies. The president expressed concern that the lack of adequate defenses leaves Ukraine vulnerable to further aggression.

Broader NATO Denunciation

The 32-member NATO alliance, which includes the United States, condemned Russia’s actions as "reckless behavior" and pledged to protect all Allied territories. U.S. Ambassador Matthew Whitaker to NATO shared this sentiment on X, vowing to support Romania and defend every inch of NATO soil. The incident in Galați has intensified calls for coordinated responses to Russian aggression, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to unity in the face of external threats.

Impact on Allied Nations

As Russia’s attacks expand beyond Ukraine’s borders, the involvement of NATO members like Romania and Turkey underscores the alliance’s role in the broader conflict. A Russian drone also struck a Turkish-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea, injuring two crew members, according to Ukraine’s Navy. This dual attack on both Romanian and Turkish interests has raised questions about the effectiveness of NATO’s deterrence strategies and the potential for further cross-border incidents.

Zelenskyy's Call for Stronger Collective Action

Reflecting on the past year of the war, Zelenskyy argued that Russia’s tactics are meant to gauge NATO’s resolve. "I think the reaction has to be more strong from the unity of NATO countries," he said. "And I think that Putin is comparing how this reaction and how it's changed during this one year or two years, three years." This analysis positions the attacks as a test of NATO’s ability to act decisively and collectively, with Zelenskyy urging greater unity to counter Russian aggression effectively.

Upcoming Interview Details

Zelenskyy’s full interview with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" will be available on CBS stations and Paramount+ streaming platforms starting Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET. The video will also be posted on YouTube and CBSnews.com for wider access. This interview offers an in-depth look at Ukraine’s strategic outlook and the challenges it faces as it prepares for the next phase of the conflict.

The ongoing crisis highlights the complexity of modern warfare, where military operations intersect with political maneuvering. With Russia’s attacks intensifying, the question remains whether NATO will respond swiftly enough to deter further aggression and protect its members. Zelenskyy’s comments serve as a reminder of the stakes involved for both Ukraine and its allies, as the conflict enters a pivotal stage.