Allies did not warn Kyiv of Russian ballistic missile strikes, says Zelenskyy
Ukrainian president’s comments on ‘particularly vile’ strikes come after US threatened to halt intelligence sharing
TL;DR
- Ukraine received no early warning from allies about a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kyiv that hit civilian infrastructure.
- President Zelenskyy called the attack "particularly vile" and emphasized the importance of early warnings from western allies to save lives.
- US officials had previously threatened to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
- Ukraine's foreign minister suggested the lack of warning was due to a "special type" of Russian weaponry, but acknowledged cooperation was continuing.
- Donald Trump has demanded Ukraine stop attacking Russian oil refineries and has blamed Zelenskyy for rising US fuel prices.
- Trump announced a deal to import diesel from Russia, dropping previous US sanctions, and claimed an "energy ceasefire" which Zelenskyy stated he was unaware of.
- Russia has ignored the claimed "ceasefire" and continued bombing Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
- Ukrainian commanders state that while they can identify targets for deep strikes on Russia independently, allied intelligence is crucial for early warnings of missile launches and bomber aircraft.
- Russia has intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian towns and cities, and Ukraine has appealed for more US-made Patriot missiles.
- The Trump administration has also threatened to suspend the procurement scheme for advanced US systems sent to Kyiv.
- Russia's campaign against Ukraine's power grid aims to shut off heating and electricity for civilians and trigger a new wave of refugees.
- A recent bombardment of Kharkiv destroyed a residential building, killing four and injuring 41.
- Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is willing to stop hitting Russian oil refineries only on a reciprocal basis with guarantees that Moscow will cease attacks on Ukraine's energy sites.
- Zelenskyy stressed the need for a strong America, Europe, and partners, stating that delaying aid or complicating protection from ballistics will not lead to peace.