Zelenskyy: No warning from partners about Russian ballistic strike on Kyiv

Commenting on Russia's recent attacks on Ukrainian cities, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine received no warning from its partners about the ballistic missile strike on Kyiv on the evening of 12 October.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy noted that starting that evening and continuing into 13 October, Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 100 different weapons, including jet-powered drones, loitering munitions and ballistic missiles. A significant proportion were shot down, but not all of them.

"There was also a particularly vile ballistic missile strike on Kyiv – five missiles that hit civilian infrastructure. Unfortunately, we received no early warning from our partners about this strike," Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that intelligence about Russian ballistic missile launches helps save lives and is one of the most critical issues.

"This is precisely what helps prevent people from being killed – when there is an early warning about ballistic missiles," the president added.

Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine has not struck Russian oil refineries or the energy sector in general for two days since US President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire.

"During this time, the Russians have attacked both our energy facilities and our critical infrastructure, sending absolutely clear signals that they have no intention of refraining from strikes on Ukraine. [...] Our position remains unchanged: Ukraine is ready for reciprocal steps toward de-escalation, and effective pressure on Russia is needed to make de-escalation happen. Wars end when the aggressor realises that it cannot prolong the war," Zelenskyy stressed.

He added that international pressure on Russia contributes to bringing peace closer.

"But direct or indirect support for Russia, slowing down assistance to Ukraine, and making it harder to protect lives against ballistic missiles will certainly not help bring peace. Everyone needs peace. A strong America, a strong Europe, and strong partners are needed," Zelenskyy concluded.

Background:

• Earlier, it was reported that during talks with the Ukrainian team in Florida on Friday 9 October, Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner threatened to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine because of Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries.
• Reuters sources denied that any such threats had been made.
• Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, meanwhile, has said that Ukraine continues to receive intelligence from the United States.

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