KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a severe attack against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, deploying more than 300 drones and 37 missiles. This assault targeted the country's power grid, resulting in widespread blackouts across eight regions, including Kyiv. Authorities reported that DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy firm, had to halt natural gas extraction in the critical Poltava region due to the strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the bombardment, noting that the attacks involved the use of cluster munitions and were aimed at emergency repair crews working to restore power. "This fall, the Russians are using every single day to strike our energy infrastructure," he stated via Telegram. The Ukrainian power grid has repeatedly been a focal point of Russian military operations since the onset of the invasion over three years ago. Ukrainian officials characterize this strategy as "weaponizing winter," as attacks not only disrupt energy supply but also occur with increasing intensity as colder months approach.
Ukrainian forces have demonstrated resilience against Russia's more substantial military, resulting in a prolonged war of attrition along a 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line traversing eastern and southern Ukraine. With much of the country vulnerable to air assaults, officials in Kyiv are intensifying their appeals for American and Western military support. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House, where he is expected to request advanced air defense systems, cruise missiles, and joint drone production agreements.
This visit occurs amidst signals that Trump may be seeking to escalate the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate progress in U.S.-led peace efforts. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that if Russia remains obstinate and declines to engage in negotiations, the United States would implement measures to impose costs on Russia for its ongoing aggressive actions. Trump's recent comments reveal his frustration over the inability to conclude the war and portray Putin as a key barrier to achieving resolution.
Additionally, Trump disclosed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India would stop purchasing Russian oil, a move that could significantly diminish Moscow's revenue streams necessary for financing its military endeavors in Ukraine. The U.S. administration has approached the issue of supplying long-range missiles, like Tomahawks, with caution, due to concerns that such actions could escalate tensions with Russia.
Zelenskyy’s visit and the discussions at the White House underscore the urgent need for increased military assistance to Ukraine and highlight the ongoing geopolitical complexities of the conflict. The involvement of key global leaders and the urgency of military support reflect the high stakes of the ongoing war and its potential impact on international relations.
For continuous coverage of the Ukraine war, visit the associated AP news hub.
