Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the U.S. embassy in Kyiv issue public warnings about a potentially major Russian airstrike in the coming hours, including guidance for civilians to shelter if an air-raid alert is issued. The announcements come after Russian officials said the death toll from a Ukrainian strike on a college and its dormitory in a Russian-occupied town in eastern Ukraine has risen to 18.
Zelensky says Ukrainian intelligence has received information, including from American and European partners, that Russia is preparing a strike involving the Oreshnik missile, which Russia describes as nuclear-capable. He also says there are signs of a combined strike on Ukrainian territory, potentially including Kyiv, using various types of weapons, and that the information is being checked.
The U.S. embassy states it has received information about a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next 24 hours and that the alert applies across Ukraine. Zelensky also calls for international pressure on Moscow to prevent an expansion of the war. The warnings follow recent reporting about Russia conducting nuclear-related drills earlier.
