diff --git a/.forgejo/workflows/images.yml b/.forgejo/workflows/images.yml
index 5e165c9..08de3a4 100644
--- a/.forgejo/workflows/images.yml
+++ b/.forgejo/workflows/images.yml
@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@ name: Build and Push CI Image
 
 on:
   push:
-    branches: [main]
+    # release/* included so a new CI image exists before the release PR is
+    # opened; ci.yml on that branch cannot pass until the image is published.
+    branches: [main, 'release/*']
     paths:
       - 'docker/build/**'
       - '.forgejo/workflows/images.yml'