Zelenskyy warns of Russian strike on election day

Russian forces are preparing a massive attack on Ukraine timed for Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned.

Zelenskyy stated that intelligence suggests Moscow intends to target the country’s energy infrastructure and logistics networks. He spoke Monday as American voters prepared to cast ballots in the midterm elections.

The Ukrainian leader argued that Russian officials believe global attention will shift to Washington. He said this distraction could cause observers to overlook Ukraine’s struggles with air defense systems and Patriot missile supplies.

Zelenskyy urged the Trump administration to increase pressure on Moscow. He posted on X that the United States needs to signal that Russia will face serious economic consequences if it continues its attacks.

He called for the world to ensure that Russia’s oil and gas revenues are targeted effectively. Zelenskyy said the United States must pressure Russia until it has no choice but to end the conflict.

Russian forces struck a school in Komyshuvakha earlier in the day. The building was being used to distribute humanitarian aid in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainska Pravda reported that at least 26 people died in the attack. The dead included police officers and first responders. Five others were injured, and some remain missing.

The State Department approved a potential sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles to Ukraine. The estimated cost of the sale is $2.1 billion. The delivery timeline for the weapons remains uncertain.

Zelenskyy told Fox News in a Sunday interview that Ukraine would pause strikes on Russian oil refineries for one month. This offer is contingent on Washington providing Patriot missile interceptors during the same period. The proposal could open a path for diplomatic negotiations.

President Donald Trump has worked to negotiate an end to the war. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have led diplomatic efforts with Moscow. They have been involved in talks aimed at resolving the conflict.

Ukraine also accused Moscow of exploiting a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky. The pause took place in the southern Kherson region. First lady Melania Trump said nearly 800 people were evacuated during the six-day break. The White House confirmed she helped broker the arrangement.

Ukraine’s General Staff said Russian forces used the pause to rotate troops and reinforce defenses. The General Staff stated that Ukrainian units observed the ceasefire strictly. They accused the enemy of improving its battlefield logistics and positions during the agreement.