Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his latest official address, strongly urged citizens to remain highly vigilant and strictly adhere to air raid alerts. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Russian leadership continues to rely on missile terror as its primary tool of pressure, choosing escalation over any peaceful resolution. The President noted that Ukraine must rely on its own strength, vigilance, and preparedness to counter these threats, as Moscow has no other cards left to play in this conflict.
This warning comes amid alarming reports from the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine regarding a high probability of Russia deploying the “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile. Intelligence suggests that a potential launch could be carried out from the Kapustin Yar testing ground in the Astrakhan region. Given the extremely short flight time of ballistic missiles, military officials stress that immediate evacuation to shelters upon hearing air raid sirens is vital for survival.
The “Oreshnik” missile is not a new element in Russia’s campaign of intimidation. Earlier, Russian forces launched two such missiles, one of which struck a civilian garage cooperative in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast, while the other landed in the temporarily occupied areas of the Donetsk region. Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly threatened to target dense urban residential areas with “Oreshnik” strikes, demonstrating a complete disregard for international humanitarian law.
Military analysts view these escalatory steps as a classic example of psychological warfare. This strategy is specifically aimed at breaking the resolve of the Ukrainian population and forcing the country’s political leadership into unfavorable negotiations. By brandishing its ballistic arsenal and threatening civilian infrastructure, the Kremlin also attempts to signal to Kyiv’s Western allies that it is prepared for an unlimited escalation if its demands are not met.
Despite this intense psychological and kinetic pressure, Ukraine’s air defense forces, bolstered by advanced Western technology, continue to adapt to these highly sophisticated ballistic threats. For Ukrainian citizens, maintaining composure, avoiding panic, and strictly following security protocols remain the most effective responses to Russia’s ongoing missile blackmail. Ultimate resilience and preparedness are key to preserving lives during this critical phase of the war.