Zelensky warns of threat of intensified strikes and urges Ukrainians to take shelter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged citizens to make sure they use shelters during air raid alerts, warning of a possible intensification of Russian strikes.

He made the statement to journalists, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.

According to Zelensky, Vladimir Putin is weakening — politically, on the battlefield, and physically. This, in the Ukrainian president’s view, could push the Russian leader to escalate attacks on Ukraine.

“And that is why he may intensify strikes against us, against our people, with missiles and drones. Please use the shelters. I am asking you very sincerely, very much,” the president stressed.

On June 18, threats were issued from Russia against Ukraine with promises of daily massive attacks. That same night, Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Moscow, triggering a large-scale fire.

Several days earlier, on June 15, Russia carried out a combined strike on Kyiv and Ukraine. The shelling sparked large-scale fires, including in residential buildings. Several people were killed and even more were wounded. One of the most serious consequences of the attack was a fire on the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Following the threats, Russia stated that Moscow favors diplomacy in “achieving the goals of the special military operation.”