US intelligence has warned of an increased risk of a new large-scale missile and drone strike by Russia on Ukraine within the next 48 hours. Strategic and critical infrastructure sites have been cited as possible targets, although residential areas and places where large numbers of people gather also remain at risk. There is no official list of specific targets.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n A 48-hour warning indicates a period of heightened risk, but does not mean that the exact date or time of the launches is known. Russia may adjust its plans, postpone the attack or strike earlier.<\/p>\n According to US intelligence assessments, this involves a possible large-scale attack using various types of missiles and strike drones. The composition of the potential strike has not been officially disclosed. During previous combined attacks, Russian forces have used Shahed drones, cruise missiles, ballistic and aeroballistic \u00abKinzhal\u00bb missiles, as well as decoy drones.<\/p>\n Combining these capabilities places an additional strain on air defences: drones can be launched early, whilst missiles can be launched later, so that they approach their targets from different directions simultaneously.<\/p>\n Information is circulating on social media about possible attacks on shopping centres, in particular shops belonging to the \u00abEpicentre<\/a>\u00bb. However, the public statement on the US intelligence assessment does not specify either the addresses or the names of the retail chains.<\/p>\n The Ukrainian authorities, the Air Force and US diplomatic missions have not confirmed that strikes are being prepared specifically against the \u00abEpicentres\u00bb. Therefore, such claims should not be presented as an established plan of the Russian army.<\/p>\n At the same time, concerns regarding large retail outlets are justified by previous experience of attacks. On 25 May 2024, Russian troops struck the \u00abEpicentre\u00bb hypermarket in Kharkiv: staff and shoppers were inside the building; people were killed and a major fire broke out. Other stores in the chain have also sustained damage as a result of Russian attacks.<\/p>\n Energy facilities, defence industry sites, and railway and other transport infrastructure are regularly targeted by large-scale Russian attacks. However, the risk is not limited to the areas where such facilities are located.<\/p>\n Russian missiles and drones have repeatedly struck high-rise buildings, halls of residence, hospitals, educational establishments, postal terminals and retail premises. Both direct hits and falling debris following air defence operations pose a danger. This means that simply being a distance away from infrastructure does not in itself guarantee safety.<\/p>\n An alert should be a reason to reduce your response time, not to stop what you\u2019re doing or to spread unverified reports. Before heading to a large building, it is worth checking where the nearest shelter is located, whether it opens during an alarm, and how long it takes to get there.<\/p>\n You should charge your mobile phone and power bank in advance, and keep your documents, water and personal medication to hand. It is also a good idea to download the official apps for notifications<\/a> and download the map of shelters or save a screenshot of it in case of connection problems.<\/p>\n Unconfirmed rumours about specific targets may heighten anxiety, but they are no substitute for official announcements. The real threat lies in the possibility of simultaneous strikes on different regions and types of targets.<\/p>\n\n
The time of the strike and the composition of the attack are not being disclosed<\/h2>\n
Reports concerning \u00abEpicentre\u00bb have not been officially confirmed<\/h2>\n
Various types of premises may be at risk<\/h2>\n
How to prepare for a period of heightened risk<\/h2>\n
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The main rule is to respond to an official signal<\/h2>\n