US Embassy Kyiv and Zelensky Warn of Potential Russian Combined Missile Strike Including Oreshnik on Ukraine

UKRAINE — The US Embassy in Kyiv released a security alert on May 23 saying that it had received information concerning a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time within the next 24 hours.

The embassy recommended that US citizens prepare to shelter immediately if an air, raid alert is announced. Citizens were advised to identify shelter locations in advance and to download reliable air, alert applications such as Air Raid Siren or Alarm Map for real, time notifications.

The embassy directed US citizens to keep reserves of water, food, and medication. It also instructed them to check local media for breaking news and to be prepared to adjust plans while following directions from Ukrainian officials and first responders in any emergency.

The alert recommended immediate sheltering upon announcement of an air alert and enrollment in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts.

Contact information included the US Embassy Kyiv phone line at +380, 44, 521, 50, 00 and email kyivacs@state.gov.

The embassy provided links to Department of State guidance on crisis response capabilities and the Ukraine travel advisory.

The new alert followed a pattern of similar embassy notices issued during prior periods of elevated Russian aerial activity but specified the compressed 24, hour time-frame.

NATO Support for Ukraine’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense

NATO has expanded assistance to Ukraine’s air and missile defense architecture in response to Russian attacks.

Allies have deployed additional integrated air and missile defense capabilities to NATO’s eastern flank while supporting Ukraine through the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine framework.

This includes advice on designing an integrated air and missile defense system for Ukraine to maximize existing capabilities and achieve full NATO interoperability.

The NATO, Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center in Bydgoszcz, Poland, conducts projects focused on air defense and critical infrastructure protection.

The Ukraine, NATO Innovation, Technology and Engineering program allocates joint funding for technologies countering unmanned aerial systems and strengthening air defense.

NATO members have supplied additional Patriot interceptors through the PURL initiative, with approximately 75 percent of missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot batteries provided via this channel as of early .

What to Watch

• Activation status of air, raid alerts via the official Ukrainian alerts.in.ua map and Kyiv Military Administration channels.

• Statements from the Ukrainian Air Force or Ministry of Defense on detected launches or ballistic threats, particularly from Russian test ranges or MiG, 31K aircraft.

• Updates on the US Embassy Kyiv website for any revised citizen guidance or alert extensions, including STEP program notifications.

• NATO or Ramstein, format announcements on further air, defense deliveries or capability enhancements.

• Enrollment confirmations or app, based alert activity among US citizens in Ukraine via official embassy channels.

Official Statements

• US Embassy Kyiv Security Alert, May 23: “The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received information concerning a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time within the next 24 hours. The Embassy, as always, recommends that U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately take shelter in the event of an air raid alert. Identify shelter locations before any air alert occurs. Download a reliable air alert app to your mobile phone, such as ’Air Raid Siren’ or ’Alarm Map.’ Keep reserves of water, food, and medication. Check local media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust plans. Follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency. Immediately take shelter if an air alert is announced. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts.”

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, May 23, 11:45 PM local time: “Our intelligence services reported receiving data, including from American and European partners, about Russia preparing a strike with the Oreshnik missile. We are verifying this information. We are seeing signs of preparation for a combined strike on Ukrainian territory, including Kyiv, involving various types of weaponry. The specified intermediate, range weapons could be used in such a strike. It is important to act responsibly on air, raid alerts, starting this evening. Russian madness truly knows no bounds, so please protect your lives , use shelters. [.] We are preparing our air defense as much as possible, and we will respond fully justly to every Russian strike. [.] Once again, please take care of yourselves and use shelters tonight.”

• Ukraine Ministry of Defense, March 13, on PAC, 3 capabilities: “These capabilities enable the Patriot system to provide reliable protection for any Ukrainian city against ballistic missile threats. [.] The Patriot Advanced Capability, 3 (PAC, 3) missile is the most effective interceptor against ballistic Iskander missiles and hypersonic Kinzhal and Zircon missiles. [.] The PAC, 3 CRI missile has a range of up to 45 km and an intercept altitude of up to 12 km.”