Zelensky says Ukraine received no warning from partners before Russian attack on Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Ukraine had received no warning from its partners before a Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv that hit civilian infrastructure. 

Andrii Sybiha

PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine continued to receive US intelligence support, including key information, despite reports that Washington might suspend intelligence sharing.

He made the comments at the Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday. 

Asked about the overnight attacks and delays in air-raid alerts, Sybiha confirmed that delays had occurred. He attributed them to the type of weapons used by Russia. 

⚡️ Ukraine continues to receive intelligence from the US Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this at the Warsaw Security Forum: “Yes, we continue this cooperation. And also it is true that yesterday's attack or night attack, air raid alert was launched with a delay, but it is because of the special type of weaponry which was used by the Russian side.”

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 13, 2026

In Kharkiv, a residential building was destroyed. Four people were killed and 41 injured in the attack, according to Zelensky. 

Since last evening and up to now, the Russians have attacked Ukraine with more than a hundred different weapons – jet-powered drones, loitering munitions, and ballistic missiles. A significant portion of these strike assets were shot down. But unfortunately, not all of them. An ordinary residential building was destroyed in Kharkiv; the rescue operation continued virtually all night as first responders searched for people under the rubble. Four people were killed in this strike on the building in Kharkiv. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. In Kharkiv alone, 41 people were injured in just one evening. There was also a particularly vile ballistic missile strike on Kyiv – five missiles that hit civilian infrastructure. Unfortunately, we received no early warning from our partners about this strike. Intelligence on Russian ballistic missile launches helps save lives, and this is one of the most critical issues. This is precisely what helps prevent people from being killed – when there is an early warning about ballistic missiles. Ukraine has not carried out strikes on Russian oil refineries or the energy sector in general for the two days since the American President announced an energy ceasefire. But Russia did not heed the American President. During this time, the Russians have attacked both our energy facilities and our critical infrastructure, sending absolutely clear signals that they have no intention of refraining from strikes on Ukraine. Nineteen regions of our country have come under attack in these two days alone. Our position remains unchanged: Ukraine is ready for reciprocal steps toward de-escalation, and effective pressure on Russia is needed to make de-escalation happen. Wars end when the aggressor realizes that it cannot prolong the war. Global pressure on Russia contributes to exactly that – bringing peace closer. But direct or indirect support for Russia, slowing down assistance to Ukraine, and making it harder to protect lives against ballistic missiles will certainly not help bring peace. Everyone needs peace. A strong America, a strong Europe, and strong partners are needed. Thank you to everyone who is truly helping!

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 13, 2026

Zelensky said that in the two days after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire covering strikes on energy facilities, Ukraine had not attacked Russian refineries or the Russian energy sector. 

He accused Russia of ignoring Trump's announcement, saying Russian forces had attacked Ukrainian energy facilities and critical infrastructure.

He said 19 Ukrainian regions had been attacked during those two days. 

Zelensky said Ukraine remained ready to take reciprocal steps towards de-escalation, but that effective pressure on Russia was needed. 

He added that supporting Russia, restricting assistance to Ukraine or obstructing protection against ballistic missiles did not contribute to peace. 

The Financial Times reported on Sunday that the United States had told European countries it might stop selling weapons to Ukraine through NATO if Ukraine continued attacking Russian refineries. 

A US official denied reports that Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had threatened to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

The official said they had told the Ukrainian delegation that the United States was a strong partner providing ammunition and intelligence, and that Ukraine should avoid actions harmful to American consumers. 

(sp) 

Source: PAP