ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday claimed that intelligence reports suggest Russia may carry out "massive strikes" during the Christmas holiday period, arguing negotiations continue with the US to procure dozens of Patriot systems for air defense.

"We understand that precisely on these days they may – this is in their nature – carry out massive strikes on Christmas," Zelenskyy said in a statement on after a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

He said he ordered the intelligence services to step up their work to provide a clear picture after Russia rejected proposals from Germany and the US for a holiday ceasefire.

Zelenskyy emphasized that air defense remains the "number one issue," particularly for the protection of Ukrainian communities on Dec. 23, 24, and 25, acknowledging a shortage of air defense systems.

To address this, he said, Ukraine is working on a "strong contract" with the US to procure "several dozen" Patriot systems through various programs.

He also warned that Kyiv will respond “in a fully logical way” if Russia does not commit seriously to negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year war, following the General Staff meeting

"We reviewed the situation at the front, across all sectors, in detail," Zelenskyy said.

He said Russian forces have significantly increased the intensity of their attacks in recent weeks, claiming that this has also led to higher Russian losses.

"We will continue to maintain this dynamic – if the Russians do not commit with 100% seriousness to the negotiation process and direct their resources toward prolonging and expanding the war, we will respond in a fully logical way – with our actions in response," he said.

Zelenskyy said the meeting also included briefings on "our deep strikes," as well as on the needs and provisioning of the defense forces.

He said the state of air defense, including air defense coverage of the front and our regions, particularly the Odesa region, was also discussed.

Meanwhile, he added, several candidates for the position of commander of the Air Command South have been presented and decisions are being made.

Earlier in the day, Russian authorities said a car bomb explosion in southern Moscow killed Lt. Gen. ⁠Fanil Sarvarov, head of operational training at the Russian General Staff.

There has been no direct comment from Kyiv regarding the killing.