Zelensky Warns Putin May Escalate Attacks as Russia Weakens

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Friday that Russia could intensify its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin grows weaker.

Speaking to journalists, Zelensky urged Ukrainians to follow air raid safety measures and seek shelter during attacks.

“Putin is becoming weaker. He is weakening politically, on the battlefield, and physically,” Zelensky said.

“That is why he may intensify strikes against us, against our people, with missiles and drones. Please use shelters. I ask you very much.”

The president said Ukraine’s partners increasingly understand that the Kremlin leader has no genuine interest in ending the war.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s allies recognize that Putin’s statements about wanting peace are false and that Russia continues to pursue military escalation.

“Putin wants everything around us to burn, and he is a madman – our partners feel this,” Zelensky said.

He also stated that Ukraine remains ready for negotiations aimed at achieving peace.

Patriot funding and new pressure on Russia

Zelensky said the latest Ramstein-format meeting produced important results for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

According to the president, nine countries confirmed participation in the PURL initiative, which finances the purchase of Patriot missiles and interceptors, with commitments exceeding $1 billion.

He also said the European Union is preparing additional sanctions against Russia.

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Although support for territorial integrity exceeded support for economic well-being, sociologists noted that the difference was relatively small.

“Europe must fully engage so that Ukraine has a strong position,” Zelensky said. “Fully engage on sanctions – without exceptions. On confiscation – without exceptions. And on financing Ukraine.”

The comments came a day after Ukrainian drones struck Moscow’s oil refinery in Kapotnya for the second time in a week, in what Russian media described as one of the largest attacks on the Russian capital in recent years.

Following the strike, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would continue large-scale attacks against targets that Russia claims support Ukraine’s military capabilities.