Zelensky warns of possible Russian Oreshnik missile attack on Ukraine
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President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on May 23 that Russia may be preparing to use its Oreshnik medium-range missile against Ukraine as part of a broader attack that could target Kyiv.
Citing Ukrainian intelligence and information shared by U.S. and European partners, Zelensky said Russia appeared to be preparing a potential strike.
"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 said.
He added that Ukraine was seeing signs of preparations for a combined assault involving multiple types of weapons.
"We are seeing signs of preparation for a combined strike on Ukrainian territory, including Kyiv, involving various types of weaponry. The specified intermediate-range weapons could be used in such a strike," Zelensky said.
The Oreshnik is an intermediate-range ballistic missile believed to be a modified version of the Rubezh surface-to-surface missile, itself derived from Soviet-era ballistic missile designs.
Russia first used an Oreshnik against Ukraine in November 2024 in a strike on the city of Dnipro. The missile was most recently used in an attack on western Lviv Oblast on Jan. 9.
Zelensky urged Ukrainians 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 said.
The president also called on Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow, arguing 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," Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine was strengthening its air defenses and vowed that the country would respond to Russian attacks. Zelensky also said the war must end through peace rather than continued missile strikes driven by what he described as "the unhealthy ambitions of one person."
