Zelensky says intelligence indicates Russia is preparing new ballistic strikes
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence has information that Russia is preparing new ballistic strikes against Ukraine. Following recent attacks on Kyiv, he called for additional interceptor packages, particularly for Patriot systems, and instructed the Foreign Ministry to accelerate sanctions efforts targeting Russia’s ballistic-weapons supply chains.
Key points
- Zelensky announced the intelligence warning in an evening address.
- Russian forces attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles on October 26 and overnight into October 27.
- A strike on the Southern Bridge damaged Kyiv Metro infrastructure.
- Ukraine is awaiting partner decisions on supplying interceptor packages, including for Patriot systems.
- Zelensky instructed the Foreign Ministry to accelerate work with partners on sanctions against Russian ballistic weapons.
- The Staavka meeting chaired by Zelensky focused on countering Russian ballistic weapons.
- Ukraine reportedly conducted two missile strikes, destroying two Russian Su-34 aircraft and striking an Iskander launcher.
Why it matters
The reported preparations may signal an escalation in Russian ballistic attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine says it needs additional forces and interceptor packages, especially for Patriot systems, while delays in sanctions could give Russia more time to maintain component supply chains for its ballistic-weapons production. The recent damage to Kyiv Metro infrastructure also highlights the potential danger to civilian infrastructure.
What happened
Zelensky announced that Ukrainian intelligence had detected preparations by Russia for new ballistic strikes. The warning came after Russian forces attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles on the evening of October 26 and overnight into October 27, when a strike on the Southern Bridge damaged Kyiv Metro infrastructure. Countering Russian ballistic weapons was a central issue at the Staavka meeting chaired by Zelensky that day. Ukraine is awaiting partner decisions on interceptor packages, particularly for Patriot systems, and Zelensky instructed the Foreign Ministry to accelerate negotiations on sanctions targeting Russia’s ballistic-weapons supply chains. He also reported that Ukrainian forces had conducted two missile strikes, destroying two Russian Su-34 aircraft and striking an Iskander launcher.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage centers on the intelligence warning about preparations for new Russian ballistic strikes and the immediate implications for national security. The reporting links the threat directly to Ukraine’s requests for additional military capabilities and interceptor packages, while emphasizing damage to civilian infrastructure, sanctions on supply chains and Ukrainian strikes against Russian military targets.
How international sources describe it
The international dimension is framed around European security. Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius said support for Ukraine is important for the security of all Europe, while Ukraine awaits partner decisions on additional interceptor packages and further sanctions against Russian ballistic weapons.
Background
Russian forces attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles on the evening of October 26 and the night against October 27. Countering ballistic weapons was a key agenda item at the Staavka meeting chaired by Zelensky on the same day he announced the intelligence warning. Ukraine was waiting for partner decisions on interceptor packages, including for Patriot systems. Zelensky also reported that Ukrainian forces had carried out two missile strikes, including an attack on the Mariivka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, which destroyed two Su-34 aircraft and struck an Iskander launcher.