Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country is preparing for what he believes could be a major Russian strike within the next 48 hours, citing intelligence shared by the United States and European allies that points to extensive military preparations by Moscow.

“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,” Zelensky said in a clip from an interview with Face the Nation scheduled to air Sunday. He added that intelligence officials “see the preparation” for it by Russia.

According to Zelensky, information provided by Western partners has helped Ukrainian authorities identify Russian military activity and preparations ahead of the anticipated attack.

The warning comes just days after Zelensky urged President Trump and members of Congress to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missile interceptors, saying the country remains heavily dependent on its allies for protection against incoming missile strikes.

“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 wrote in a five-page letter to Trump.

Zelensky said Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian civilians daily while also launching larger, coordinated bombardments on a regular basis.

“Two times a week, or two times per 10 days, they have big, massive attacks,” he said in the interview.

As an example, he cited a recent Russian assault involving more than 600 Iranian-made drones and approximately 90 missiles, including 30 ballistic missiles.

“It was very difficult to destroy it,” he said. “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 addressed recent incidents involving Russian drones crossing into or striking NATO territory. Earlier this week, a Russian drone hit a residential building in Romania, drawing a swift response from NATO officials.

“Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte wrote on the social platform X after speaking with Romanian President Nicușor Dan about the incident. “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 argued that the incidents are part of a broader effort by Russian President Vladimir Putin to pressure countries supporting Ukraine and discourage them from continuing their assistance.

“I think it’s political pressure,” he said. “It’s messages from Russia: Don’t help Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and the country’s former president, warned European nations to be cautious about becoming more involved in the conflict following the Romanian drone incident.

“Citizens of EU countries, You should realize your authorities have unilaterally entered into a war with Russia,” the Putin adviser wrote on X. “So be vigilant and don’t be surprised by anything. The peaceful sleep is over. But you know who to ask why.”

{Matzav.com}