Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued an urgent warning that Russia is preparing a new strike, saying Ukrainian intelligence has clear indications of another impending attack as the country struggles to recover from recent waves of bombardment that have left large parts of Ukraine without heat or electricity in the depths of winter.

In an address focused on both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the broader diplomatic stakes, Zelenskyy said the situation is currently most severe in Kyiv, where heating shortages and major power disruptions persist following Russian strikes. Repair crews and emergency services have been deployed nationwide, with teams brought in from across the country — including frontline regions — to assist the capital. State-owned companies, private-sector partners, and emergency services are working to stabilize conditions, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs has distributed hot meals to thousands of residents. Over the past 24 hours alone, more than 6,200 people in Kyiv and 22,000 in the surrounding region received hot food, with authorities prepared to scale up assistance if conditions worsen.

The Russians are preparing a new massive strike – our intelligence indicates this. The United States, Europe, and all our partners have to understand how this discredits diplomatic talks. Every single Russian strike does. pic.twitter.com/1bKKXNeMwe

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 28, 2026

Zelenskyy emphasized that similar efforts are underway across the country, citing difficult conditions in Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, and Chernivtsi regions. In Kryvyi Rih, he said, more than 200 buildings remained without heat earlier in the day following a Russian strike, though restoration work continued throughout the day. He thanked energy workers, emergency responders, and utility crews for working under constant threat to keep civilians warm and supplied with electricity.

The president said he had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron, who acknowledged the scale of Ukraine’s challenges and discussed the most urgent assistance needs. Zelenskyy stressed that Europe’s support is critical and warned against silence in the face of continued Russian attacks, arguing that Moscow is still attempting to inflict maximum suffering on civilians regardless of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

I spoke with President of France @EmmanuelMacron.

I briefed him on the frontline situation and Russian losses. I am grateful for his words of condolence regarding Russian strikes on civilians, and in particular the attack on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region.

We discussed… pic.twitter.com/9MXwc0wcOe

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 28, 2026

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence indicates Russia is preparing another strike, a development he described as deeply undermining any claims of good-faith negotiations. He warned that every Russian attack discredits diplomacy and erodes trust in talks involving the United States, Europe, and other partners. “Every single Russian strike does,” he said, underscoring the urgency of stronger international pressure.

He referenced the human toll of the latest attacks, noting that a Russian strike in the Kyiv region killed a woman and her husband inside their apartment, while their four-year-old child was rescued from the rubble. Zelenskyy offered condolences to the family and publicly thanked Radio Liberty war correspondent Maryan Kushnir for courageously saving the child. He also recalled the drone attack on a civilian train a day earlier, which caused deaths and injuries, highlighting the actions of Ukrainian sergeant Vladyslav Rozhkovskyi of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, who helped fellow passengers despite the chaos. Zelenskyy praised his composure and bravery.

The address also highlighted efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s medical and rescue capabilities. Zelenskyy said he spoke with volunteer Tata Kepler about expanding and institutionalizing Ukraine’s tactical medicine expertise, building on the work of military medics and surgeons who have saved countless lives under wartime conditions. Plans are underway, he said, to improve training in combat trauma care, battlefield evacuation, and lifesaving skills for Ukrainian troops.

Zelenskyy also received a briefing from Major General Khmara on operations by the Security Service of Ukraine, including frontline actions and retaliatory measures against targets inside Russia. He emphasized the importance of strict oversight in military production to prevent corruption, sabotage, or internal abuse, saying absolute integrity is essential as Ukraine sustains its defense.

He closed with a warning that diplomacy must have real meaning for Ukrainians living under constant threat. As long as Russian strikes continue and preparations for new attacks are underway, he said, it is difficult for people to believe that negotiations can deliver peace. Zelenskyy argued that the world has the power to ensure Russia prepares not for further assaults, but for ending the war — and urged partners to use that power without delay.