Zelensky Warns of a Widespread Russian Attack.. and Kyiv Strengthens Protection of Its Infrastructure

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Tuesday that Russia is preparing to carry out a large-scale attack on Ukraine, affirming that his country is working on countermeasures, as Kyiv has begun taking additional measures to protect its bridges from Russian drones and to ration electricity following attacks targeting energy infrastructure.

Zelensky stated, after a conference call with government officials, military leaders, and officials from other agencies, that his country has received updated intelligence regarding Russian preparations.

He added: "We received updated intelligence today regarding Russia's preparations to carry out a large-scale attack. We are working on preparing countermeasures," explaining that deadlines have been set for the implementation of a significant portion of the tasks, while priority tasks have already begun to be implemented.

Zelensky pointed out that government officials, in cooperation with regional authorities, have prepared additional logistical measures in response to the Russian operation targeting Ukrainian logistics.

Ukrainian President's warning comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, targeting transportation, energy facilities, warehouses, residential buildings, and parking lots.

In conjunction with the warnings, authorities began installing protective nets against drones on one of the main bridges in Kyiv over the Dnipro River, a step taken for the first time in the capital since the war began in 2022.

This move follows Russian drones powered by jet engines targeting two of the capital's eight bridges in recent days, causing significant traffic congestion.

The nets were installed on both sides of the northern bridge, a method widely used in eastern and southern Ukraine near combat lines to protect transportation routes from drone attacks.

Kyiv's bridges designated for cars and trains hold special importance for transportation and supply in the capital, making the possibility of them being struck by Russian attacks a source of concern for Ukrainian authorities.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the situation in the city, which is home to about three million people, as "tragic" due to the ongoing Russian strikes, accusing Moscow of seeking to "tear apart" the capital.

In another measure to address the repercussions of the attacks, Kyiv has begun implementing electricity rationing following Russian strikes that targeted energy facilities.

The private company "DTEK" stated that the capital has entered a phase of scheduled power outages aimed at maintaining grid stability, based on directives from the national energy transmission company "Ukrenergo."

The electricity rationing is set to continue until the end of Tuesday, while the company urged residents to conserve energy to help alleviate pressure on the grid and avoid emergency outages.

These measures come amid rising concerns about the impact of the strikes on the energy sector ahead of the winter season, after previous Russian attacks led to heating and electricity outages for millions of residents during periods of low temperatures.