Ukraine is bracing for a potential escalated strike from Russia this week as the war continues in its sixth month. The United States Embassy in Kyiv has urged US citizens in Ukraine to leave immediately in light of potential strikes.
The US Embassy in Kyiv has urged any US citizens that are in Ukraine to leave immediately when safe citing the possibility of Russian forces striking civilian infrastructure and government facilities.
This concern comes as Ukraine is gearing up to mark its independence day, which is also on the same day marking the sixth month of the war Russia is waging on the nation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also repeatedly warned that Russia may try to increase its bombardment of the country on the day Ukraine marks its independence from Soviet rule. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukrainian forces would issue a strong response to Russia’s attacks which will only get stronger over time.
“Tomorrow is an important day for all of us – it is also, unfortunately, important for our enemy. We must be aware that disgusting Russian provocations and brutal strikes are possible tomorrow,” said Zelenskyy in his nightly video address.
The warnings have also led allies in the West to express concern that Russian forces may try to attack Kyiv again. The capital has rarely been hit by Russian missiles since Ukrainian forces repelled the ground offensive to seize Kyiv back in March.
The Ukrainian military also said that Russian forces were carrying out artillery and rocket strikes in Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine. Intense fighting in the area has taken place near the power plant, which is also the largest power plant in Europe.
In a news conference Tuesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not agree to freeze its frontlines to appease Russia. Zelenskyy went on to urge the world not to show fatigue with the war, as this would pose a threat to the world.
The West and many other countries have joined in condemning and sanctioning Russia for its assault on Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this week that it is sanctioning 62 individuals and one defense entity over the war.
The sanctioned individuals include high-ranking officials in Moscow and their family members as well as senior officials of defense entities that have been sanctioned.