Zelenskyy threatens Russia "If Ukraine is on fire, Moscow will burn too."

2026-06-20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning, saying that if Russia continues its war of aggression, Ukraine will respond with powerful strikes on Russian targets, including Moscow, escalating already high tensions in the conflict.

In a recorded message sent to journalists, Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine does not want the war and never initiated it, but insisted it will not remain passive if attacks continue. He warned that if Ukraine is left “on fire,” then Moscow will also face consequences, signaling a potential expansion of the war’s reach.

The statement came after Ukraine reportedly carried out one of its largest drone attacks in years, targeting infrastructure in and around Moscow, including an oil refinery. Russian officials said air defenses intercepted around 180 drones over the capital and claimed more than 500 drones were destroyed across the country overnight.

Russia responded with strong threats of retaliation. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that President Vladimir Putin has already ordered further “massive attacks” on Ukraine. Moscow said its military operations will continue and intensify in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory.

At the same time, international support for Ukraine is increasing. G7 countries have pledged tighter sanctions on Russia and expanded military assistance, including long-range weapons, air defense systems, and drone supplies. Britain alone announced a package including 150,000 drones and hundreds of missiles, backed by financing linked to frozen Russian assets.

The growing cycle of attacks, counterattacks, and escalating rhetoric highlights the deepening intensity of the war, with both sides signaling they are prepared for further escalation rather than immediate de-escalation, raising concerns over the conflict’s next phase.