Zelensky Warns of Increased Attacks as Putin Weakens
Zelensky urges citizens to seek shelter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning regarding the potential for increased strikes on Ukraine amid a perceived weakening of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Putin is becoming weaker—politically, on the battlefield, and physically. Therefore, he may escalate attacks against us, our people, using missiles and drones,” Zelensky stated.
Zelensky further urged citizens to take precautions, saying, “Please use shelters. I implore you, very much.”
In context, Zelensky noted that since December 2025, the Russian army has been losing its initiative on the battlefield, as he mentioned in late May. Ukraine has also ramped up its long-range sanctions against Russia. On the night of June 18, Moscow faced one of the most significant drone attacks since the war began, targeting a oil refinery located just 15 kilometers from the Kremlin. According to Ukraine’s drone command chief, Robert Brody, Ukraine’s defense forces have attacked the refinery three times in a month, with one strike causing significant damage. Zelensky described this assault as a justified response to Russian attacks on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Following the attack on Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov threatened Ukraine with more extensive strikes, as reported by TASS.
