Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Criticizes Allies Over Lack of Warning Before Russian Missile Barrage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine received no advance notice from its partners before a Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv and other areas. The overnight strikes damaged energy infrastructure, cut power to more than 500,000 households, and killed at least four people across the country. Zelenskyy also criticized delayed air-defense supplies and sanctions, while President Trump defended a pause on some Russia sanctions as a way to advance peace talks.
The overnight assault involved over 200 drones and 16 ballistic missiles, hitting Kyiv energy sites. Four people died, 25 locations were damaged, and more than 500,000 households lost power. An Air Force spokesman said no warning came before the first 11 p.m. wave, though an alert preceded a later 3 a.m. strike.
Zelenskyy said it was the second such lack of partner notice that week. U.S. officials reportedly blamed poor weather over southern Russia, which Ukrainian officials doubted. Trump defended pausing some Russia sanctions to keep Moscow in peace talks and denied halting intelligence sharing. Pope Leo XIV urged aid access to Oleshky, where about 2,000 residents are cut off.
The strikes could deepen hardship for civilians in Kyiv and other regions. Power losses may disrupt hospitals, water, heating, communications, and businesses, while repair crews face dangerous conditions. In Oleshky, prolonged blockade may worsen health risks. Diplomatic disputes over warnings, sanctions, and air-defense supplies could shape public trust and allied coordination, though outcomes remain uncertain.