Russia to Launch a Massive Strike Tonight, AFU Warns

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Wednesday, July 29 that Russia is expected to conduct a massive strike on Ukraine tonight, following preparations that began several days earlier.Zelensky shared the warning after receiving a report from Anatoliy Kryvonozhko, commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), who briefed him on Russian troop movements and strike preparations detected in recent days. However, Zelensky did not specify further details of the report, including the anticipated scale or targets of the expected strike.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“Every partner knows what is needed and clearly understands the consequences of delay,” Zelensky said, addressing allies with access to Patriot missile systems – the only weapons capable of intercepting Russia’s ballistic missiles.Partners urged to act on air defenseAccording to Zelensky, the outcome of tonight’s expected strike depends heavily on how quickly partners, particularly the United States, can respond with air defense support. He said that the availability of Patriot interceptors from allied countries could directly determine how many lives are protected once the strike begins.“It is important that our partners fully understand what is happening and that the protection of people’s lives depends directly on their readiness,” Telensky said.Residents told to heed air raid sirensBeyond the appeal to international partners, Zelensky addressed Ukrainian residents directly, urging them to take air raid warnings seriously in the hours ahead. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Appeals IOC Decision to Ease Restrictions on Russia Kyiv said the IOC’s decision to lift restrictions on Russian athletes was premature and violates the Olympic Charter. “Please, in all regions of Ukraine, heed the air sirens today and stay safe,” he said.The warning comes as the US Senate overwhelmingly advanced sweeping sanctions legislation targeting Russia’s energy revenues Tuesday, July 28, voting 86–12 to move forward with a bill designed to hit one of the Kremlin’s most important sources of funding for its war against Ukraine.Earlier on Tuesday, Zelensky held a productive meeting with the US President Donald Trump at the White House, in which the two discussed Patriot licensing arrangements and ways to accelerate diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war.Around the same time, Zelensky met with Lockheed Martin representatives to discuss expanding joint weapons production and technology sharing. The talks focused on Patriot interceptor systems and other equipment, such as F-16, HIMARS, and ATACMS, critical to Ukraine’s defense. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.