Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a warning to all regions of Ukraine to "pay attention" and "stay safe" after receiving intelligence that Russia may launch a "massive attack" on the night of July 29.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated that Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko had reported that the Russians had prepared a massive attack over several days, and there is a high probability the strike will be carried out tonight. He urged Ukrainians to listen for air raid alerts and stay safe.
Plea for US support
Zelenskyy used the post to appeal directly to US officials, including President Donald Trump, and other partners for Patriot missiles to bolster Ukraine's defenses. He wrote: "I received a report from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko. The Russians prepared a massive attack several days ago, and there is a high probability that the strike will be carried out tonight. It is important that our partners fully understand what is happening and that the protection of lives directly depends on their readiness, or lack thereof, to help us with air defense missiles. First and foremost, this concerns the United States and those partners that have Patriot missiles and can provide them to support our defense. Every partner knows what is needed and fully understands the consequences of marking time. Please, in all regions of Ukraine, pay attention to air raid alerts today and stay safe."
Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries
The warning follows Ukrainian overnight strikes on two of Russia's largest oil refineries. Ukraine's Security Service and General Staff reported that attacks started fires at a Lukoil refinery in Russia's Perm region, more than 900 miles from Ukraine, and a refinery in Ryazan, about 180 miles from the border. These long-range strikes using domestically developed weapons have been battering Russian oil facilities for months, causing a fuel crisis that embarrasses the Kremlin.
Ukraine's recent successes have impressed Washington and helped restore US goodwill after Trump's initial reluctance to continue supporting Kyiv. Zelenskyy said he had a "good meeting" with Trump, who described it as a "Great Honor". Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Many things were discussed. The meeting went very well!"
Meetings with US officials and defense contractors
Zelenskyy also met with over 60 US senators from both parties to push for more sanctions on Russia, and with representatives of Lockheed Martin, days after welcoming a Raytheon delegation to Kyiv. Trump earlier this month said he would grant Ukraine licences to manufacture Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine is discussing joint production and technology exchange with both Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, and is ready to share its battle-tested drone technology.
