CPD warned about Russia preparing a new ballistic strike

Russia is preparing a new strike on the territory of Ukraine using ballistic missiles. The Ukrainian side is recording signs of such preparation, said Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, on the evening of September 23.

“Russia is preparing a new ballistic shelling of the territory of Ukraine. The corresponding signs of preparation are being recorded now,” — Kovalenko said.

The CPD head did not specify the possible time of the attack, the number of missiles Russia could use, or potential directions of strikes. Therefore, his statement is a warning about recorded signs of preparation, not a message about a specific launch time.

Kovalenko's warning came after a similar statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Earlier on September 23, the head of state said, citing Ukrainian intelligence, that Russia is preparing a new massive attack against Ukraine.

“There is now information from intelligence that Russia is preparing a new massive attack against Ukraine,” — Zelenskyy said during a meeting in New York with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Thus, the CPD head's message specifies the nature of one of the recorded threats: it concerns, in particular, the preparation of the use of ballistic weapons. At the same time, official representatives of Ukraine have not yet disclosed additional data on the possible composition of the future attack.

Against the background of intelligence information, Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine continues negotiations with partners on obtaining additional air defense capabilities. During the meeting with the British prime minister, the sides separately discussed the protection of Ukrainians and energy infrastructure ahead of the winter period. The United Kingdom, for its part, announced continued work with partners on strengthening Ukrainian air defense.

The President linked the threat of new Russian strikes to the need to maintain sanctions pressure on Moscow. According to him, as long as Ukrainian cities are under daily threat of missile and drone attacks, there are no grounds for easing sanctions against Russia.

At the moment, there are no official reports on specific regions that may be under threat during a possible attack. Ukrainians should rely on messages from the Air Force and other official bodies and respond to air raid alerts.

Based on materials: Andriy Kovalenko, Office of the President of Ukraine