Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday evening warned of a possible new large-scale Russian attack in the coming hours, following an assault that killed and injured scores of people across Ukraine.
A massive attack could take place “as soon as tonight,” Zelensky said in a video address, citing intelligence reports.
Russia launched a wave of heavy air strikes against Ukraine overnight into Tuesday. Zelensky said the “brutal” operation killed 22 people and injured 130 others.
The Ukrainian president also said Russia had identified Ukrainian companies making progress in the development and production of missiles as priority targets.
“We will respond,” he said.
Russia has systematically targeted areas far from the front lines throughout its more than four-year-old war, with civilians wounded or killed on a daily basis. Residential buildings, schools and hospitals are frequently hit.
Moscow had previously threatened retaliation following a Ukrainian strike on the Russian-controlled city of Starobilsk around a week and a half ago.
According to occupation authorities the Luhansk, more than 20 civilians were killed in a dormitory building in Starobilsk during the Ukrainian attack.
Kiev said the strike had targeted a Russian military drone unit.