Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sept. 22 that Ukraine has intelligence indicating Russia is preparing a new large-scale strike.
- Zelensky discussed security and air defense support with U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Sept. 22.
- Ukraine is prepared to agree to a total halt on energy attacks as part of a ceasefire if Russia reciprocates.
- The EU lifted sanctions against two Russian oligarchs as a condition for extending its sanctions list.
Russia is preparing to launch a new large-scale strike against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 22, citing intelligence reports. Zelensky's comments followed a meeting about security and air defense support with U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
"We currently have intelligence information indicating that Russia is preparing a new massive attack against Ukraine," the president said on social media after the meeting. Zelensky did not provide additional details on the expected Russian attack or the contents of the intelligence reports.
His warning comes after he told the press Ukraine was ready to agree to a total halt on energy attacks as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Russia — if Russia agrees to the same terms. Russia, however, has given no indication that it will accept such a truce.