Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on citizens to remain vigilant in the coming days, emphasizing the importance of heeding air raid alerts. This warning comes as the Ukrainian Air Force reported a heightened risk of Russia deploying medium-range ballistic missiles from the Kapustin Yar test site.
Speaking on June 12, Zelensky reiterated that the Russian leadership is opting for military aggression over peace. He urged Ukrainians to pay close attention to air raid sirens, stating, “We understand who we are dealing with and what they are counting on in Russia. […] They have no other ‘cards’ to play. We must rely on our strength and vigilance. Always protect your lives.”
Prior to Zelensky’s remarks, the Air Force indicated a significant likelihood of Russian forces launching medium-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine from Kapustin Yar, located in Russia’s Astrakhan region. While specific missile types were not disclosed, it is known that the Russian military has previously used the “Oreshnik” missile from this site.
The last recorded use of the “Oreshnik” against Ukraine occurred during a large-scale attack on May 24, when it landed near the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region. Earlier in May, Zelensky mentioned that the missile had also struck occupied areas of Donetsk, although he did not provide specific details about that incident. Additionally, Russian forces employed the “Oreshnik” in attacks on Ukraine in November 2024 and January 2026.
On June 4, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the strikes on Bila Tserkva and the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk were intended to assess the effectiveness of the “Oreshnik.” This assessment, he claimed, would inform future decisions regarding the missile’s full operational deployment.
The “Oreshnik” is classified as a medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM) and is reported to reach speeds exceeding 12,300 km/h. It is equipped with six warheads, each reportedly containing submunitions. The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the “Oreshnik” as a variant of the RS-26 Rubezh missile. Russia announced the commencement of mass production of the “Oreshnik” in 2024.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned citizens to remain vigilant against potential Russian missile strikes, following reports of heightened threats from medium-range ballistic missiles. The call for caution coincides with the Ukrainian Air Force's alerts about possible launches from Russia's Kapustin Yar site.