There is mounting tension over perceived retaliatory plans by Russia over attack by Ukraine supported by the West.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine celebrated the attack thus: “Today, a brilliant operation was carried out – on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine.
“Russia suffered significant losses – entirely justified and deserved.
“The preparation took over a year and a half.
“Planning, organization, every detail was perfectly executed. It can be said with confidence that this was an absolutely unique operation.”
It was disclosed that the strikes on Russian airbases and trains destroyed more than 40 Russian long range nuclear bombers.
Zelensky had declared: “Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk, delivered a report regarding today’s operation.
“An absolutely brilliant result. A result achieved solely by Ukraine.
“One year, six months, and nine days from the start of planning to effective execution. “Our most long-range operation.
“Our people involved in preparing the operation were withdrawn from Russian territory in time.
Zelensky receiving operational report from Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk,
“I thanked General Maliuk for this success of Ukraine.
“I instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to inform the public about the details and results of the operation that can be disclosed.
“Of course, not everything can be revealed at this moment, but these are Ukrainian actions that will undoubtedly be in history books.
“Ukraine is defending itself, and rightly so – we are doing everything to make Russia feel the need to end this war.
“Russia started this war, Russia must end it. Glory to Ukraine!”
Reports indicated that the United States, however, warned European allies that Russia is preparing a “disproportionate response” to the attack on air bases.
Moreover, Zelensky at the B9 Summit in Vilnius, had stated @ZelenskyyUa
“Europe, together with America, has better weapons than Russia.
“We also have stronger tactical solutions – our operation “Spiderweb” yesterday proved that.
“Russia must feel what its losses mean. That is what will push it toward diplomacy.”
The Ukraine president further stated “and when Russia takes losses in this war, it’s obvious to everyone that Ukraine is the one holding the line – not just for itself, but for all of Europe.
“Ask your intelligence – what is Russia planning this summer in Belarus? If they’re bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength – together.
“And right now, that means strengthening Ukraine – so we can stop this war and prevents it from spreading. That’s why weapons production matters.
“At today’s summit in Vilnius with the Bucharest Nine and the Nordic Countries, I thanked our partners for their support, and we are coordinating our steps together.”
President Vladimir Putin was cited to have revealed that the “Oreshnik missiles, if used massively, can strike with power equal to a nuclear weapon;” warning “One launch could end it all.”