Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is sounding the alarm over a major Russian offensive expected within the next two days, based on intelligence provided by the United States and European allies. In an interview set to air on Face the Nation, Zelensky stated, “Today at night, or tomorrow at night, we will have, we think that we will have big attacks from Russian side using drones, using cruise missiles and ballistic.” He noted that intelligence officials “see the preparation” for the strikes.
The warning comes as Zelensky intensifies his appeal to President Trump and Congress for Patriot missile interceptors to bolster Ukraine's air defenses. In a five-page letter to Trump, Zelensky wrote, “Frankly, while we have achieved significant success in defending against all types of drones, Ukraine has not yet built its own capability to produce anti-missile defense systems. When it comes to air defense against missiles we rely on our friends and partners around the world.”
Zelensky described the pattern of Russian attacks, noting that in addition to daily strikes on civilians, Moscow launches large-scale bombardments multiple times per month. “Two times a week, or two times per 10 days, they have big, massive attacks,” he said. He cited a recent assault involving over 600 Iranian-made drones and roughly 90 missiles, including 30 ballistic missiles. “It was very difficult to destroy it,” he added. “We used all our weapons, what we have, what we produce, and of course we used anti-ballistic missile. This is the biggest deficit for us.”
The interview also touched on a recent incident where a Russian drone struck a residential building in Romania, an act that drew swift condemnation from NATO. Secretary General Mark Rutte posted on X, “Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. And last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.”
Zelensky framed the incursion into NATO territory as part of a broader Russian strategy to pressure Kyiv’s allies. “I think it’s political pressure,” he said. “It’s messages from Russia: Don’t help Ukraine.” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, echoed that sentiment, warning EU citizens on X, “Your authorities have unilaterally entered into a war with Russia. So be vigilant and don’t be surprised by anything. The peaceful sleep is over.”
The escalating tensions follow a series of diplomatic setbacks, including the collapse of Trump’s Russia-Ukraine mediation efforts and a warning from Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov for U.S. citizens to flee Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes on Romanian soil have further strained relations, with Baltic states bracing for potential aggression. As Zelensky presses for more defensive aid, the next 48 hours will test Ukraine’s ability to withstand what could be one of the largest Russian assaults in recent months.
