Zelensky warns of massive Russian attack as strikes kill six across Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a grave warning that Russia is preparing a 'massive attack,' urging citizens across the nation to remain highly vigilant and adhere strictly to air raid alerts. This urgent call comes after a brutal wave of Russian strikes on Saturday, June 20, 2026, claimed at least six lives across Ukraine, with five fatalities and numerous injuries reported in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia alone, hit by nine guided aerial bombs. These intensified Russian attack, which also devastated parts of Sumy, Poltava, and the Kherson region, follow recent Ukrainian drone strikes deep within Russian territory, targeting oil refineries in Tyumen and Moscow. The Kremlin, through Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, has already rejected recent European-backed peace proposals, signaling a continued commitment to its maximalist demands and escalating the conflict. Meanwhile, international support for Ukraine remains critical, with NATO allies pledging over $4 billion in new military aid focused on air defense, drones, and long-range ammunition, including a significant commitment of 150,000 drones from the UK. As Ukraine braces for what Zelensky describes as an imminent large-scale assault, the focus will be on the efficacy of its air defense systems and the resolve of its civilian population. Zelensky also recently warned Belarus to dismantle Russian signal relay equipment facilitating drone strikes, indicating potential new flashpoints in the broader conflict. The coming days are expected to bring heightened tensions and potentially devastating new strikes as both sides continue their relentless, grinding war.