Zelenskyy says Russia planning strikes on ‘decision-making centres’ in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the country’s intelligence obtained documents indicating that Russia is preparing new missile and drone strikes targeting cities and specific locations across Ukraine.

Zelensky said specialists from Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate acquired documents confirming preparations for fresh attacks, including planned strikes on so-called “decision-making centres”.

He said the alleged targets include nearly 20 political centres, military command posts, the Office of the President of Ukraine and the presidential residence, among other locations.

“However, it is particularly important for Russia’s leadership to understand that Ukraine is not Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

“Unlike the aggressor state, where the obvious author of this war and his close circle have long been detached from reality, the source of Ukraine’s defence is the readiness of the Ukrainian people to fight for their independence and their sovereign state,” he added.

Zelenskyy also said discussions had taken place regarding further long-term sanctions against Russia.

“First of all, we are identifying targets for our next long-term sanctions against Russia because of this war and the attacks on our cities and villages. Ukraine will not leave without consequences any attack that costs the lives of our people,” he said.

Russia’s overnight aerial assault on Kyiv on Thursday killed 24 people, including three teenagers, while around 50 others were injured.