How did the US learn about the massive attack on Ukraine in advance? / Collage by Channel 24, photo by the State Emergency Service, Russian Media
The US Embassy in Kyiv, on the eve of the attack on Ukraine on May 24, warned its citizens of the possibility of a serious air attack. The attack, as American diplomats noted, could take place within 24 hours. Washington probably also received information about Russia's use of the Oreshnik missile.
Political scientist and head of the Center for Analysis and Strategies Igor Chalenko told Channel 24 how the US received information about a massive attack on Ukraine. Also, on May 23, Volodymyr Zelensky warned Ukrainians that intelligence had received information about the Russians preparing a strike on Ukraine with the Oreshnik missile.
How does the US obtain data on the launch of the “Hazelnut”?
Chalenko noted that there is no need to look for conspiracy theories in this matter, because the United States was informed by Russia about the launch of “Oreshnik”.
“This has been going on since the Cold War. There are relevant agreements between Washington and Moscow at the level of special services. Because the Oreshnik missile is, first of all, a weapon that is supposed to carry a nuclear warhead. Although the Russians use a version of it that has been reduced to the level of a medium-range ballistic missile, they must warn the Americans about its launch,” the political scientist explained.
Please note! On the night of May 24, Russia launched a medium-range ballistic missile “Oreshnik” against Ukraine as part of a massive attack. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the missile hit Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region. As a result of the strike, a garage cooperative and a company building were damaged. Three garages burned down as a result of the attack.
Russia does this to prevent certain defense mechanisms from accidentally triggering and preventing a response from reaching Moscow at that moment. That is why they inform about such launches. If this does not happen, then, according to him, the decision to strike Russia is made in tens of seconds.
Thanks to this, official Kyiv received data on the launch of the “Nutcracker”. Therefore, the President of Ukraine warned about the possibility of its use,
– emphasized Igor Chalenko.
The Russians are not informing the United States of this missile launch because they are “very good.” They are protecting themselves in this way, so that no further negative actions occur that could have specific nuclear consequences.
Political scientist tells how the US learned about the massive attack on Ukraine in advance: watch the video
In addition, Ukraine is monitoring activity in the area of the Russian Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region, from where Oreshnik launches usually take place. Although other Russian missiles are also launched from that test site.
The political scientist recalled that in 2025, thanks to the joint actions of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate, and other departments of the Defense Forces, one of the three Oreshnyk complexes was eliminated at the Kapustin Yar training ground.
What is known about the massive attack on Ukraine?
On the night of May 24, the Russians launched 600 drones and 90 missiles of various types into Ukraine. In particular, the Oreshnik missile system.
The Russians struck Kyiv the hardest. Hits were recorded in every district of the capital. The Shevchenkivskyi district suffered the most, where two residential buildings and an office center were damaged.
In the area of the Lukyanivska metro station, the market and the Kvadrat shopping center were hit, which burned to the ground.
In addition, architectural monuments in Kyiv were damaged due to the attack. This includes the Chernobyl Museum, which was almost destroyed. The buildings of the National Art Museum, the Philharmonic, the Music Academy, and the Yaroslav the Wise Library were also damaged. Architectural monuments in Podil and the historical center were also damaged, including the Kontraktovy Dom, the Postal Station, the Church of the Nativity of Christ, the Kyiv Opera, etc.
We will remind you that the US Embassy in Ukraine warned American citizens on the evening of May 23 about the threat of massive shelling. The department emphasized the need to prepare and, in the event of an air raid, immediately take shelter. The US Embassy also advised to have a stock of water, food, and necessary medicines. And in emergency situations, US citizens should follow the instructions of the Ukrainian authorities and rescue services during an air raid.