Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that a massive Russian strike could occur overnight on January 9. According to him, the Russian forces aim to take advantage of the weather, and he urged people to go to shelters.
“There is information that a new massive Russian attack may happen tonight. It is very important to pay attention to air raid alerts today, tomorrow, and continuously, and to go to shelters. The Russians are consistent: they are trying to use the weather to their advantage. I have instructed the government to assist local authorities and provide maximum support to everyone involved,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address.
He noted that weather conditions have significantly worsened in various regions, causing major problems on roads and with infrastructure networks. Zelenskyy stressed that all services are effectively operating under emergency conditions. He added that, together with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, they agreed to prepare a government resolution allowing employees of non-critical institutions and regular offices to stay home during such weather. Guidelines for school operations under these conditions for this and next week will also be determined.
Zelenskyy also announced that he has signed decrees appointing new heads for four regions: Poltava, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, and Dnipro regions. The candidate for Ternopil region has also been approved, and further staffing decisions will continue.
Additionally, the president said he spoke with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov. Ukraine’s negotiation team is returning, and Zelenskyy awaits a detailed report, including sensitive information that cannot be discussed over the phone. He previously stated that a security guarantees document is ready to be signed with U.S. President Donald Trump, with further discussions between the U.S. and Russia expected.
