Ukrainians down two Russian military aircraft – threat to Ukraine remains high

Ukraine's president warned that the threat of a new Russian air attack remains high, despite Western partners having discussed the matter with Russia. Security expert Rainer Saks writes that the US was likely the one conducting talks.

Ukraine's president stated that Western partners have engaged with Russia on the subject of a planned major air strike that Russia was preparing, according to Ukrainian intelligence. Despite diplomatic contacts, the president warned Ukrainians that the threat of a new massive air attack remains high.

Security expert Rainer Saks points out that Ukraine's president did not name which of the partners actually conducted talks with Russian representatives on this matter. According to Saks, it is unlikely to have been anyone other than the US, given the distribution of forces in the Western world and Washington's special role in the diplomatic dimension of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Ukrainian intelligence had information about the strike

Ukraine's intelligence service had reported that Russia was preparing a new large-scale air strike. This information prompted partners to contact Russia in an attempt to persuade Moscow to abandon the strike. Despite this, Ukraine's president deemed it necessary to warn his people that the threat has not disappeared.

At the same time, Ukraine reported that their air defence and armed forces succeeded in shooting down two Russian military aircraft, which represents a significant achievement in Ukraine's defence operations.