Zelensky Warns of Potential Russian Oreshnik Missile Strike on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that Russia may be preparing to launch an Oreshnik missile attack on Ukraine, citing intelligence from Ukrainian and Western sources.

"Our intelligence services reported receiving data, including from American and European partners, about Russia preparing a strike with the Oreshnik missile. We are verifying this information," Zelensky stated.

He noted signs of preparations for a combined assault involving various types of weaponry, potentially targeting Kyiv.

The Oreshnik is an intermediate-range ballistic missile, believed to be a modified version of the Rubezh surface-to-surface missile, derived from Soviet-era designs. Russia first used the Oreshnik against Ukraine in November 2024 in a strike on Dnipro and most recently in January 2026 in Lviv Oblast.

Zelensky urged citizens to remain vigilant and heed air raid warnings.

"It is important to act responsibly on air-raid alerts, starting this evening. Russian madness truly knows no bounds, so please protect your lives – use shelters," he advised.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv also issued a warning about a potentially significant air attack within the next 24 hours.

Zelensky called on Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow, emphasizing that allowing Russia to continue the war without stronger consequences could encourage future aggression elsewhere.

"If Russia is allowed to destroy lives on such a scale, then no agreement will restrain other similar hatred-based regimes from aggression and strikes," he said.

The Ukrainian government continues to monitor the situation closely and is verifying the intelligence reports regarding the potential missile strike.