Zelensky: No Warning Before Russian Missile Strikes on Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Kyiv received no early warning before a series of Russian missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including a major power plant. The Darnytska CHP-4, a key facility supplying heat and electricity to parts of Kyiv, was hit in the attack, which also damaged a residential building ^[2]. Two people were killed and 21 injured in the apartment strike, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Zelensky accused Russia of continuing attacks on energy infrastructure despite a purported ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump two days prior. "Russia is targeting yet another power plant and the lives of our people," Zelensky said on X, adding that Ukraine had paused long-range strikes on Russian energy sites in response to the US call for de-escalation ^[2].

The strikes come amid growing tensions over intelligence sharing. Ukrainian officials reported no warning about the missile launches, raising concerns about a potential cut-off in US intelligence, which Zelensky said is vital to saving lives ^[1]. Trump denied the claim, stating, "We are helping them and we are sharing intel" ^[2].

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it launched coordinated strikes using precision weapons and drones against Ukrainian military-industrial sites, logistics hubs, and vessels carrying military cargo ^[1]. Over 600 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Russian regions and the Sea of Azov, including 65 near Moscow.

In the past 48 hours, six Ukrainian energy facilities have been hit, including sites in Kharkiv, Lviv, and Rivne, where a school was struck, wounding 14 people ^[1]. The Darnytska CHP-4 was previously severely damaged in February, leaving over 1,000 homes without heat or water ^[2].

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for reciprocal de-escalation but stressed that "effective pressure on Russia is needed to make de-escalation happen" ^[1]. The situation escalates as Zelensky prepares to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to discuss faster air defense deliveries ^[2].

Trump, meanwhile, claimed both Ukraine and Russia want peace but "just don’t know how to get there" ^[2]. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the idea of a ceasefire, saying Europe would simply resupply Ukraine to continue fighting. The story was first reported by New York Post and BBC News.