Zelenskyy instructs air defences to prepare for large-scale Russian attack reported by intelligence

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed the leadership of the Air Force, Ministry of Defence and Ukrenergo, Ukraine's state-owned electricity transmission operator, to prepare additional protective measures in response to intelligence reports of a potential new large-scale strike by Russia.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Details: Zelenskyy said that he had instructed Anatolii Kryvonozhko, Commander of Ukraine's Air Force; Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Ukrenergo Chairman Vitalii Zaichenko "to prepare additional protective measures throughout the day, taking into account intelligence on Russia's preparation for a massive strike".

The president held a coordination call on the situation across Ukraine's oblasts on 16 February. He received a report on the aftermath of the overnight strike, during which the Russians once again targeted Ukrainian energy facilities with missiles. Zelenskyy noted that air defences responded effectively.

Quote: "Every Russian missile is the aggressor's answer to their calls to end the war, which is why we emphasise: only with sufficient pressure on Russia and clear security guarantees for Ukraine can this war realistically be brought to an end."

Details: Zelenskyy also referenced the Munich Security Conference, where the Ukrainian delegation discussed energy issues with some international partners.

"Over the next few days, we need to implement the agreements already reached. We are also working to expedite the delivery of missiles for air defence – this remains an unchanged priority. The task of all relevant institutions of our state is to help accelerate air defence support from our partners," he said.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!