Zelensky Warns of Major Russian Attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is preparing a new large-scale attack on Ukraine. Citing intelligence information, he called on allies not to delay the delivery of commitments to strengthen air defenses and urged tougher sanctions against Moscow.

Earlier in the week, Russia announced its intention to carry out "systematic strikes" on targets in Kyiv and urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the city.

The Ukrainian military, meanwhile, struck an oil refinery in the Volgograd region and an oil pumping station in the Yaroslavl region, according to the general staff. The refinery was forced to halt operations following the attack, and a fire broke out at the pumping station. Russian authorities reported fires at a chemical plant and energy facilities after the Ukrainian drone strike.

Zelensky also addressed an incident in Romania in which a Russian drone struck a residential building. He said Ukraine would support Romania "in whatever way is necessary" and expressed confidence that the new EU sanctions would inflict tangible losses on Russia.

(reuters, lud)