Russia planning to hit Ukraine with 'massive attack,' Zelensky warns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on September 22 that Russia is preparing a massive new attack against Ukraine, citing intelligence reports. The president made the statement after a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham about security and air defense support during the U.N. General Assembly in New York. Zelensky did not provide further details on the expected Russian attack or the intelligence reports.

His warning came after Ukraine offered to halt all energy attacks as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Russia, but Russia has shown no interest in such a truce. Zelensky also expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for a new contribution to Ukraine's energy sector ahead of the upcoming winter, which is expected to be particularly challenging for the country as Russia aims to cripple its power grid during vulnerable times for civilians.

The European Union lifted sanctions against two Russian oligarchs to extend its sanctions against Russia for another 36 months. Zelensky criticized the decision, stating that sanctions should remain in place and be strengthened as long as the war continues. Russia has significantly increased the intensity of its aerial strikes against Ukraine in recent years, exploiting the country's limited air defense systems and causing significant damage.

The resulting civilian casualties have been the highest since the early stages of the full-scale war.