Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that signs indicating Russia's preparation of a new ballistic strike on Ukrainian territory are being recorded. According to reports by RBC-Ukraine, he announced this in his Telegram channel. In his words, against the backdrop of preparations for yet another attack, Russian "diplomats" are deliberately trying to buy time on any concrete steps aimed at a ceasefire.
Diplomatic Time vs. Real Threat
Kovalenko emphasized that a real cessation of hostilities does not fall within the realistic zone of interests of the aggressor. In his assessment, the dragging out of negotiation tracks and Moscow's demonstrative readiness for "dialogue" serve as a tool to conceal the logistical preparation for new strikes on Ukrainian territory. Thus, according to the Ukrainian CDC, diplomatic rhetoric is nothing more than a cover for military operations.
Context: The Massive Attack of September 20
Kovalenko's statement came against the backdrop of large-scale events over the past night. On September 20, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out a massive attack on targets on Russian territory, employing more than two thousand strike drones and missiles. According to the Russian side, the strikes were one of the largest attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion. Targets included, in particular, logistics system facilities and oil industry assets in the Moscow region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that during the operation, "Flamingo" and Pelican drones and missiles were used, causing damage to facilities that supported the Russian military machine.
Appeal to Citizens: Do Not Ignore Air Raid Alerts
In connection with the recorded signs of ballistic strike preparation, the head of the CDC called on Ukrainian citizens to be especially vigilant in the coming days and not to ignore air raid alerts. Kovalenko stressed that, in conditions where the adversary is preparing a massive missile barrage, compliance with air raid safety rules becomes critically important for preserving life. The appeal sounded as a direct warning of a possible escalation in the coming days and weeks.
Assessment of the Situation
Kovalenko's statement underscores a persistent trend in which diplomatic initiatives for a ceasefire are accompanied by intensified military activity. For the Ukrainian authorities, this means the need to simultaneously conduct negotiations and maintain a high level of combat readiness. For the civilian population, it means the need for strict compliance with safety rules in conditions where the ballistic threat can materialize at any moment.
