Zelensky warns of possible large-scale Russian attack as fighting intensifies in Ukraine

Sunday 21 June 2026 - 08:15

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia may be preparing a major new wave of attacks, urging citizens to remain vigilant and closely follow air raid alerts. The warning comes as hostilities continue across several regions of Ukraine, with both sides reporting military operations and infrastructure strikes.

In a public address, Zelensky emphasized the importance of taking security precautions and responding promptly to official warnings. His statement follows weeks of intensified military activity, including large-scale attacks targeting major Ukrainian cities and strategic infrastructure.

Recent strikes have caused casualties and damage in several parts of the country. Local authorities reported deaths and injuries in the regions of Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk, while attacks in southeastern Ukraine also affected residential areas and public infrastructure. Emergency services continue to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to affected communities.

At the same time, Ukrainian forces have maintained their campaign against military and energy-related targets inside Russia. Ukrainian officials stated that drones were used to strike facilities linked to the energy sector, reflecting Kyiv’s strategy of targeting infrastructure considered important to Russia’s military and economic capabilities.

The conflict has increasingly involved the use of drones, missiles, and long-range weapons by both sides. Military analysts note that these tactics have expanded the geographical scope of the war, affecting areas far from the front lines and placing additional pressure on civilian populations.

Russian authorities, meanwhile, reported intercepting a large number of Ukrainian drones overnight. Such incidents illustrate the growing intensity of aerial warfare, which has become a central feature of the conflict in recent years.

The war continues to have significant humanitarian, economic, and geopolitical consequences. International organizations and foreign governments have repeatedly called for the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure while diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting settlement remain limited.

As tensions remain high, Ukrainian authorities are encouraging residents to stay informed, follow emergency instructions, and prepare for possible disruptions caused by further military operations in the coming days.