Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing for a new large-scale attack on Ukraine.
- Zelensky urged Ukrainian civilians to heed air raid alerts.
- He called on allies to accelerate the delivery of Patriot air defense missiles.
- The warning comes days after Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Kyiv.
- The recent Kyiv attack killed at least 31 people and injured over 100.
President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning on July 5, 2026, stating that Russian intelligence suggests Moscow is preparing for another massive aerial assault on Ukraine. This alert comes just days after Russia conducted its largest aerial attack on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began, an assault that resulted in at least 31 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
During his nightly address, Zelensky emphasized the timing of the potential new strikes, noting they follow America's Independence Day and precede the NATO Summit in Ankara. He characterized the potential actions as Russia aiming to "bring more evil and kill people" and implored Ukrainian citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to air raid alerts.
Zelensky reiterated his urgent plea for additional Patriot air defense missiles, asserting that any delays in their supply are directly leading to loss of life and emboldening Russia's continued aggression. He stressed that the necessary quantity and quality of air defense systems exist globally and that allied nations, including the United States, should expedite the transfer of these systems from storage to Ukrainian air defense units for immediate protection.