Ukraine has warned that Russia is preparing to launch a large-scale military strike in the coming days, even as United States President Donald Trump extends an invitation to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to join his newly announced “Board of Peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued the warning in his daily video address, urging citizens and security agencies to remain on high alert.
“In the coming days we must remain extremely vigilant,” Zelenskyy said. “Russia has prepared for a strike a massive strike and is waiting for the moment to carry it out.”
The warning comes amid continued Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, nearly four years after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion.
Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory and has shown no sign of retreat from its stated objectives.
Despite the ongoing war, Trump recently invited Putin to join a US-led “Board of Peace,” an international body proposed to oversee post-conflict governance in Gaza.
Russia is among 60 countries invited to participate, with permanent membership reportedly tied to a $1 billion contribution.
The invitation has drawn criticism from Western officials.
British Treasury minister Darren Jones described the move as “absurd,” saying the notion of portraying Putin as a peace broker was “for the birds.”
Trump has maintained that Putin is open to negotiations, while accusing Ukraine of being less willing to reach a settlement.
Last week, the US president blamed Kyiv for Washington’s failure to end the conflict.
Zelenskyy responded by rejecting the claim, insisting that Russia remains the primary obstacle to peace.
“Ukraine has never been and will never be a stumbling block to peace,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X.
“When Ukrainians are left without power for 20 to 30 hours because of Russia, and when Russian strikes are aimed at breaking our energy system and our people, it is Russia that must be put under pressure.”
Ukraine last week declared a state of emergency in its energy sector following intensified Russian attacks on power infrastructure.
Zelenskyy warned that upcoming strikes could target facilities supporting the country’s nuclear power stations.
Ukraine’s military intelligence has said Russia aims to sever access to electricity and heating nationwide as winter temperatures drop.
In response, authorities have imposed controlled power outages across parts of the country to stabilise the national grid.
Russia has suffered heavy losses since the invasion began, with Ukrainian and Western estimates placing casualties at over one million.
Nevertheless, Moscow continues to escalate military pressure, raising fears of further humanitarian and infrastructure damage in the days ahead.