Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Expects Russian Drone and Missile Assault
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CBS News that intelligence indicates Russia will launch attacks involving drones and missiles as soon as Friday or Saturday night. He requested additional U.S. defensive systems and cited a recent Russian strike that killed two and wounded 83.
Defense NewsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CBS News Friday that Ukraine is bracing for large-scale Russian attacks expected as soon as Friday or Saturday night. In an interview with Face the Nation, Zelenskyy said Ukraine received intelligence that the assault will include drones along with cruise and ballistic missiles.
He urged civilians to use bomb shelters because of the high probability of strikes. Zelenskyy thanked the United States and European partners for sharing intelligence but said Ukraine needs more defensive weapons to intercept incoming missiles.
In a Tuesday letter to Congress and President Trump, Zelenskyy requested additional Patriot missile systems. He cited a Russian attack on Sunday that killed two people and wounded 83 others. Russia launched 600 drones and dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles in that assault, including an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile.
It was the largest aerial attack on Kyiv since the war began in 2022. Zelenskyy said Ukraine used all available weapons, including anti-ballistic missiles, to respond.
Russia also struck infrastructure near the Romanian-Ukrainian border. One drone entered Romanian airspace and hit an apartment building in Galați, according to the Romanian defense ministry. NATO spokesperson Martin O'Donnell stated the alliance determined the drone was Russian and that NATO jets were scrambled.
A senior NATO military official said the drone was tracked but entered Romanian airspace only minutes before impact. Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a Friday news conference that the drone's origin cannot be confirmed until wreckage is examined.
A separate Russian drone struck a Turkish-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea, wounding two crew members, Ukraine's Navy said. NATO condemned the incidents as reckless behavior and pledged to defend Allied territory. S. ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker posted that the United States stands with Romania and will defend every inch of NATO territory.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- Sunday
Russia launched 600 drones and dozens of missiles at Kyiv, killing two and wounding 83.
1 sourceCBS News - Tuesday
Zelenskyy sent a letter to Congress and President Trump requesting more Patriot systems.
1 sourceCBS News - Friday
Zelenskyy told CBS News Ukraine expects Russian attacks involving drones and missiles that night or Saturday night.
1 sourceCBS News - Friday
A Russian drone struck an apartment building in Romania after entering NATO airspace.
1 sourceCBS News
Potential Impact
- 01
Ukraine may receive additional U.S. air-defense systems if Congress approves the request.
- 02
NATO may increase air patrols along its eastern flank following the Romanian incident.
Transparency Panel
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