Monitoring channels have warned of a possible combined Russian missile strike on Ukraine during the night of 30 July, involving cruise and ballistic missiles. An elevated threat remains for Kyiv and the Kyiv region. As of the time of publication, the Ukrainian Air Force had not confirmed that an attack was being prepared.
Briefly about the main points
- Monitors have reported the risk of a combined attack overnight.
- An elevated threat level has been recorded for Kyiv and the surrounding region.
- Three Tu-95MS aircraft are heading for the «Olenya» airfield.
- Ballistic missiles leave little time to react.
- You should follow the instructions issued by the Air Force and the authorities.
The redeployment of the Tu-95MS and the risk of missile use
Monitoring sources report the redeployment of three strategic bombers Tu-95MS from the Russian Far East to the «Olenya» airfield in the Murmansk Oblast. These aircraft are capable of carrying air-launched cruise missiles.
The mere movement of the bombers does not necessarily mean that a combat sortie is imminent tonight. At the same time, it may indicate preparations for, or the formation of, an air task force. Monitors are also warning of the possible use of ballistic missiles, for which the time between the alert being raised and the target being reached may be as little as a few minutes.
What residents of Kyiv and the surrounding region should do
The trajectory of missiles may change after launch, so the threat is not limited to the capital region. Residents of Kyiv and the surrounding region should identify the nearest shelter in advance, charge their mobile phones and power banks, and enable official alerts.
When an air raid alert is sounded, you must immediately take shelter and remain there until the official all-clear is given. Your main points of reference should be announcements from the Ukrainian Air Force, local authorities and official alarm map. In Kyiv, 46 underground metro stations are serving as shelters; the city also maintains an up-to-date map of shelters and alerts via the «Kyiv Digital» app.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy On 24 July, it was reported that Ukrainian intelligence and its partners had information that Russia was preparing missiles for a new large-scale strike. This provides the context for assessing the overall level of risk, but does not specify the timing, targets or routes of a possible attack on the night of 30 July.
Data from the monitors does not replace an official alert
Reports from monitoring sources serve as an assessment of the situation and an indicator of risk. Practical decisions in the event of danger should be based on official alerts from the warning system, the Air Force and the authorities.
For security reasons, the routes of Ukraine’s air defence system, its operational locations, the movements of military personnel or the consequences of hits during an attack should not be published.
UPD: A total of five aircraft are currently known to be in service. In addition, seven Tu-160 aircraft have been equipped with missiles in the Far East.
