Zelenskyy Expects Russia to Launch Major Attack Within Next 48 Hours

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said on the 31st that, based on intelligence shared by the United States and European allies, he expects Russia may launch a large-scale attack within the next 48 hours.

According to a report by The Hill, an American political news outlet, a segment of the CBS political talk show "Face the Nation" scheduled for broadcast on the 31st features an interview with Zelenskyy, in which he stated: "Tonight or tomorrow night, we believe there will be a major attack from Russia involving drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles."

Zelenskyy added that Ukrainian intelligence officials have observed preparations by Russia.

Ukraine Warned Weeks Ago That Belarus Might Launch New Attacks

In fact, according to a May 21 report by AFP, Ukraine had previously warned that Belarus—Russia’s primary regional ally—might launch a new round of attacks against Ukraine. Subsequently, authorities in Kyiv strengthened security measures along the border region between Ukraine and Belarus, as Russia used Belarus as a launching pad when it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) issued a statement at the time saying personnel were deployed alongside Ukrainian military forces to carry out a series of comprehensive enhanced security measures across "the northern regions of our country," including intensified inspections and controls over individuals and their property, while emphasizing that these actions would "effectively deter any aggression or military operations by enemy forces and their allies."

Previously, Russia and Belarus had conducted joint nuclear drills, mobilizing thousands of troops, aircraft, and tactical missile units.

As these exercises continue, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is preparing to respond to any potential actions should Russian forces dare to expand their aggression.

Kremlin Urges Foreigners and Diplomats to Leave Kyiv

On May 18, the Kremlin dismissed Ukraine’s accusations, claiming that Kyiv was attempting to further provoke tensions, aiming to draw Belarus deeper into the war.

Just days later, on May 25, Russia formally warned foreigners and diplomatic personnel to leave Kyiv, stating plans to launch more attacks on Ukraine’s capital, including targeting the decision-making centers of Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that these attacks were a response to Ukraine’s alleged use of drones to strike a student dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian military officials denied the allegations, asserting that they had instead targeted a specialized drone command unit in the area.

The Russian Foreign Ministry further declared in a statement: "Under these circumstances, the Russian Armed Forces are conducting a series of systematic attacks on Ukrainian defense industry facilities in Kyiv."

On May 26, reports from Kyiv indicated that rescue personnel continued dealing with the aftermath of the previous day’s air strikes. Authorities reported that the attack had resulted in two deaths and 91 injuries in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Drones Continue Attacking Energy and Industrial Facilities Across Russia

Subsequently, Ukraine launched drone attacks on energy and industrial facilities across multiple regions of Russia.

Russian authorities reported on the 31st that Ukrainian drones carried out nighttime strikes on various energy and industrial infrastructure sites across Russia, indicating a continued escalation in attacks on critical infrastructure.

According to Reuters, Roman Busargin, governor of Saratov Oblast, stated in a Telegram message that "civilian infrastructure in Russia" had been damaged. Saratov Oblast, located in the Volga River basin, hosts several oil refineries and has been frequently targeted by Ukrainian attacks in recent years.

Kirov Oblast, situated northeast of Moscow and approximately 1,300 kilometers from territory controlled by Ukraine, saw its governor Alexander Sokolov confirm that a drone struck a facility in the region.

Governors of border regions adjacent to Ukraine—including Rostov, Voronezh, and Belgorod oblasts—also reported being hit; three civilians were injured in Belgorod Oblast.

In Crimea, a peninsula under Russian control, the Moscow-backed administrative head Sergei Aksyonov announced the implementation of gasoline sales restrictions.

Aksyonov did not specify the reason, but this move is widely believed to be linked to Ukraine’s sustained attacks over recent months on fuel infrastructure in southwestern Russia near Crimea.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1866746015833108/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author