Zelensky: US Cuts Off Kiev Intel; Russia Hits Key Dnieper Bridge Cuts Kiev Power Lines; Saudi Crisis

Summary

Alexander Mercouris discusses a reported large-scale Russian drone-and-missile attack across Ukraine, focusing on Kyiv and Dnipro. He says the strikes targeted military-industrial facilities and infrastructure, including railway locomotives and power lines. In his view, repeated attacks could make power-line repairs increasingly difficult, while damage to Ukraine’s locomotive fleet could disrupt military supplies and civilian transport.

Dispute over advance warning

Mercouris examines conflicting accounts of whether Ukraine received advance warning of the attack. Zelensky said the United States had not warned Ukraine, leaving its air defenses unprepared. Ukraine’s foreign minister, Sybiha, reportedly said a warning was provided, while an Air Force spokesman later supported Zelensky’s account.

Mercouris believes the United States gave its usual warning and suggests Zelensky’s remarks may reflect anger over a US–Russia diesel arrangement. He argues that US intelligence, including targeting information, and Starlink are vital to Ukraine’s ability to continue fighting, and doubts Washington will cut them off.

Battlefield developments

Mercouris says Russian aircraft and drones are attacking bridges in Dnipro, which he describes as important supply routes for Ukrainian forces in Donbas. He argues that Ukraine’s air defenses are concentrated around Kyiv, leaving other cities more vulnerable.

He also discusses uncertain Russian claims that Nikolske has been captured, noting that a video presented as evidence may have shown a different village. Describing the fighting around Dobropillya as nearing a decisive outcome, he cites Russian military reports and an analysis by the Russian outlet Rybar, while acknowledging that he cannot independently confirm those accounts. He says advances in several areas could increase pressure on the Slavyansk–Kramatorsk agglomeration over the coming months.

Yemen and Saudi Arabia

Mercouris reports that the Houthis have struck Riyadh and threatened Saudi oil facilities in response to Saudi threats of airstrikes. He warns that damage to Saudi energy infrastructure could intensify pressure on global oil markets.

He also discusses a Wall Street Journal report that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is anxious about his security and position, while stressing that he cannot verify the account. Mercouris says Iran has offered to mediate and that Putin has spoken with the UAE president, interpreting both developments as signs that regional actors are seeking to contain the crisis. He concludes that the Middle East may be a more immediate concern for Trump than Ukraine.

Presenter and people referenced

• Presenter: Alexander Mercouris
• Mentioned, but not presenting: Alex Christoforou, Larry Johnson, Edward Luttwak
• Other cited source: Rybar, a Russian military-analysis outlet