Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that Russia is preparing a strike against Ukraine using hypersonic 'Oreshnik' ballistic missiles, citing intelligence from Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe. This warning follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to prepare retaliatory options after a drone attack on a student dorm in Luhansk.
Key Takeaways
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that Russia is preparing to strike Ukraine using hypersonic 'Oreshnik' missiles. This warning comes after a drone attack in Russian-controlled Luhansk and follows previous missile attacks by Russia on Ukrainian territory.
- Russia prepares strike with Oreshnik, a missile claimed to be impossible to intercept
- Zelenskiy warns of potential combined strikes involving various weaponry
- Previous Oreshnik missiles carried dummy warheads or struck Lviv region in western Ukraine
Zelenskiy stated that signs indicate preparation for a combined strike involving various types of weaponry, including intermediate-range weapons targeting Kyiv. Russia has previously used the Oreshnik missile twice against Ukraine, with limited damage reported each time. The first attack occurred in November 2024 on what Moscow claimed was a military factory, and the second in January 2026 struck the Lviv region.
Zelenskiy emphasized that the use of such weapons sets a global precedent for potential aggressors and called for preventive measures from international partners. He urged pressure on Moscow to prevent further escalation of the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military has intensified strikes on Russian oil facilities and infrastructure, aiming to reduce Russia's revenues from exports.
In response to Germany's proposal for 'associate' EU membership, Zelenskiy described it as unfair because it would leave Ukraine without a voting voice in the bloc. He argued that Ukraine deserves full and meaningful membership, citing its role as a bulwark against Russian aggression. Analysts suggest that a clear route into the EU could help Zelenskiy sell any peace settlement to Ukrainians.
Ukraine has made significant progress on reforms required for EU democratic and economic standards but faces obstacles in achieving full membership due to the need for ratification by all 27 EU members. The German proposal includes a political commitment to apply mutual assistance and defense clauses to Ukraine, along with non-voting representation in EU institutions.
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