Warning of an imminent massive attack on Ukraine / The US Embassy issued such an alert when the Russians hit the Oresnik hypersonic missile

The US Embassy in Ukraine issued a warning on Thursday of a “potentially significant” airstrike that could take place in the coming days, Ukrainska Pravda and the BBC's Russian-language service write.

The US Embassy in Kyiv urges US citizens in Ukraine to “be prepared to seek immediate shelter in case air raid sirens sound.”

However, Ukrainska Pravda notes that the US embassy did not indicate in the warning published on its website late Thursday that Russia was responsible for the anticipated large-scale airstrike.

The warning issued by the United States office:

“Event: The US Embassy in Kyiv has received information regarding a potential significant airstrike that could occur at any time in the next few days. The Embassy advises, as always, that US citizens be prepared to take shelter immediately if an air alert is issued.

Steps to take:

• Identify shelter locations before any air alert.
• Download a reliable air raid alert app such as Air Raid Siren or Alarm Map to your mobile phone.
• Take shelter immediately if an air alert is issued.
• Check your local media for breaking news. Be prepared to change your plans.
• Stock up on water, food and medicine.
• Follow the instructions of Ukrainian officials and emergency response teams.
• See what the State Department can and cannot do in a crisis.“

A similar alert issued by the US diplomatic mission was also launched at the end of 2024.

Then, on November 21, Russian forces attacked the city of Dnipro with an Oresnik hypersonic missile (an intermediate-range ballistic missile) for the first time since the beginning of the war.

Similar warning from Zelensky

In his video address to the nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that according to his information, Russia could launch a massive attack on Ukraine as early as Thursday evening.

He also urged residents of the country not to ignore air raid sirens and take shelter immediately if they sound.

“There are reports that another massive Russian attack could take place tonight. It is very important that we pay attention to the air alerts today and tomorrow and always go to shelters. The Russians have not changed at all. They are trying to exploit the weather. We have instructed the Government to assist the local authorities and everyone involved as much as possible. (…) All day today there have been briefings from the Government and all services are working effectively around the clock to deal with the consequences of the bombings “Unfortunately, there have been new attacks today – specifically against the energy infrastructure and the civilian sector. In Krivoi Rog, residential buildings have been hit,” Zelenski said.

“In Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporozhye regions, after the attack on the infrastructure, the situation with electricity and essential services was extremely difficult. All necessary resources were deployed. I am grateful to all repair teams, municipal services, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and all energy companies – (repair) work continues non-stop,” added the Kyiv leader.

He also said that the weather has worsened and that together with the central authorities, he is looking for solutions so that Ukrainians can work from home in the coming days.

In late December, US President Donald Trump said Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin wanted peace and that Moscow's intensified attacks on Ukraine since then were a reaction to Ukrainian attacks on the Russian Federation.

Also at the end of December, Zelenskiy said that with the latest large-scale attack on Kiev and other Ukrainian cities, Russia had shown the world its “true attitude” to peace proposals.