Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged citizens to remain vigilant as intelligence reports indicate the possibility of a new wave of Russian attacks. In his evening address on May 30, he emphasized the need for readiness in response to air raid alerts.
Zelensky stated that there is little expectation for a change in the behavior of Russian leadership, making security and the preservation of life the top priorities. He remarked, “It is important to be attentive to any threats and air raid signals. Intelligence information regarding a potential mass strike remains relevant. We know that partners have spoken with the Russians about this. There is no faith that anyone in Moscow will reconsider. Be sure to protect your lives—respond to dangers.”
The President also reassured the public that Ukraine’s air defense systems, mobile fire groups, and combat aviation are prepared to the best of their ability, given the current supply situation. He noted, “The interception rate of Shahed drones by our forces is consistently above 90%, around 90-93%. Regarding cruise missiles and ballistic threats, we are collaborating with all partners to secure new contributions to the PURL program and are exploring other ways to obtain missiles. I thank everyone who is assisting us!”
On May 22, Russian state media TASS reported an attack on a training facility and dormitory at the Starobilsk Professional College, accusing Ukrainian forces of the strike. The Ukrainian General Staff denied these claims, asserting that Ukrainian troops had targeted a command post of the Russian military unit Rubikon in the temporarily occupied area of Luhansk.
According to the General Staff, Rubikon is a Russian special military unit involved in drone attacks against civilian targets in Ukraine. Following reports of drone strikes in Starobilsk, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a stern statement, accusing Ukraine of attacking civilian infrastructure and threatening to escalate strikes on Kyiv and other critical facilities.
On May 25, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation. Lavrov reportedly conveyed the Kremlin’s stance on the conflict, claiming that in response to attacks on Russian territory, Russian forces would commence systematic strikes on Ukrainian military facilities in Kyiv and decision-making centers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also mentioned that Lavrov highlighted recommendations for the evacuation of diplomatic personnel from Kyiv, directed at the U.S. and other nations. However, on May 26, Secretary Rubio characterized the notion that Russia had urged Washington to withdraw embassy staff as exaggerated.
In response to the Russian threats, the French Embassy in Ukraine condemned the statements as unacceptable, reiterating its commitment to continue operations in Kyiv while calling for an end to hostilities. Similarly, the Polish Embassy emphasized its refusal to succumb to Russian provocations and affirmed its ongoing presence in the capital.
Katarina Maternova, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, described the threats against diplomats as a sign of desperation from Russia, confirming that the EU embassy continues to operate in Kyiv despite the risks. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry labeled these actions as intimidation and escalation, urging partners to respond by increasing support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of military aid.
Meanwhile, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine, Julie Davis, condemned the nighttime attack on Kyiv on May 24, which targeted museums, metro stations, residential buildings, and other civilian sites. She stated, “Targeted strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky has warned citizens of potential Russian strikes, urging vigilance and readiness as tensions escalate. The situation remains critical, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces exchanging accusations regarding military actions in the region.