Ukraine received no intelligence data before ballistic missile strike on Kyiv - Zelenskyy
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
When Russia launched five ballistic missiles yesterday, there was no warning from Ukraine’s partners, according to a post by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
"Unfortunately, there was no warning from our partners about this strike," Zelenskyy said.
"Intelligence data on the launch of Russian ballistic missiles helps save people's lives, and this is one of the most critical issues. This is what helps prevent killings when warnings about ballistic missiles are provided," the head of state stressed.
What is known about the attack
According to the president, since the evening, Russia has launched more than a hundred different weapons at Ukraine. These included jet-powered drones, loitering munitions, and ballistic missiles. A significant number were shot down, but not all of them.
In Kharkiv, an ordinary residential building was destroyed. Rescuers spent almost the entire night searching for people under the rubble. Four people were killed in this strike. Another 41 were injured — in Kharkiv alone, in just one evening.
Ukraine had not attacked Russian oil refining facilities or energy infrastructure for two days. The countdown began when the US president announced a ceasefire in the energy sector.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia did not heed the US president's call. It attacked Ukrainian energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
"Nineteen regions of our country came under attack during these two days," the president noted.
"Our position remains unchanged: Ukraine is ready for reciprocal de-escalation steps, and effective pressure on Russia is needed to make de-escalation happen," Zelenskyy stressed.
"Wars end when the aggressor feels that it has no ability to prolong the war. The world's pressure on Russia contributes precisely to this — bringing peace closer," the head of state said.
"But direct or indirect support for Russia, slowing down aid to Ukraine, and making it harder to protect lives from ballistic missiles are things that will certainly not help bring peace," he added.
On the evening of October 12, explosions were heard in Kyiv before an air raid alert was announced.
Only afterward did the Ukrainian Air Force warn of a high-speed target heading toward the capital.
As RBC-Ukraine reported, overnight on October 13, Russia attacked Ukraine with ballistic missiles and drones.
Russia launched five ballistic missiles from Russia's Bryansk region and 108 attack drones. By 8:00 a.m. Kyiv time, air defenses had shot down or suppressed 88 drones.
We also reported that the Ukrainian Air Force explained why explosions were heard in Kyiv before the air raid alert.
Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, said that air raid alerts may be delayed and intelligence data from partners sometimes does not reach Ukraine.
