Zelensky Warns of Possible ‘Massive Russian Strike,’ New Drone Command Posts in Belarus
AI Analysis
Ukrainian President Zelensky warns of a potential massive Russian strike, with new Russian drone command posts reportedly being established in Belarus. Ukrainian intelligence indicates increased Russian drone operations and collaboration with Iran.
Key Takeaways
- Zelensky warns of a potential massive Russian strike.
- New Russian drone command posts are reportedly being set up in Belarus.
- Ukraine has 'irrefutable data' of Russia sharing intelligence with Iran.
- Russia offered to stop sharing intelligence with Iran in exchange for the US halting intelligence to Ukraine.
- Ukrainian drone operators have intensified bombardment of Russian targets.
Why It Matters
The establishment of new Russian drone command posts in Belarus signifies an escalation in drone warfare capabilities near Ukraine, potentially increasing the threat to Ukrainian airspace. The intelligence sharing between Russia and Iran highlights complex geopolitical dynamics, affecting regional stability and international relations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Ukrainians to pay particular attention to air raid alerts on Monday evening, citing information from Ukrainian intelligence.
In his evening address, posted on Telegram, the president warned that Russia “may be preparing a massive strike.”
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
“The necessary orders have already been given to our air defense forces. Please take care of yourselves and of Ukraine,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Zelensky said he had received a report from Ukrainian intelligence chief OlegIvashchenko. In a Telegram update about their meeting, he said that Ukraine has “irrefutable data” that Russia continues to share intelligence with Iran.
When the US and Israel launched a massive aerial bombardment campaign against Iran on Feb. 28 – killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and targeting the regime’s offensive and defensive capabilities – Moscow was placed in something of a bind.
While loosely aligned with Tehran, the Kremlin has expended a great deal of effort to maintain superficially friendly relations with Washington since US President Donald Trump was re-elected.
Zelensky said that Russia’s insight into the region depends on its “own radio and electronic intelligence capabilities,” as well as intelligence from its partners in the Middle East.
On Saturday, Politico reported that Russia had offered to stop sharing intelligence with Iran in exchange for the US halting intelligence to Ukraine – a deal the US reportedly turned down.
Closer to home, Ivaschenko is said to have told Zelensky that the Russian command’s current assessment of battlefield progress – which is central to Moscow’s negotiating position in ongoing peace talks – is highly exaggerated.
Zelensky added that Ukrainian intelligence now has “clear information” that Russia plans to deploy four new long-range drone command posts in Belarus, as well as an unspecified number in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
“We will react accordingly,” Zelensky said.
Analysis by Kyiv Post shows that Ukrainian drone operators have intensified their country’s bombardment of Russia in the past three months, hitting targets with denser swarms and at record speeds.
Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.