Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, striking energy and gas infrastructure across multiple regions. This marks the first major assault since the United States suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, significantly raising the stakes for Ukraine’s defense.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russian forces fired 67 missiles and 194 drones in the overnight assault. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept 34 missiles and 100 drones, but critical infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Regional officials reported destruction from the northeastern city of Kharkiv to the western city of Ternopil. Eight people sustained injuries in Kharkiv, while two more, including a child, were wounded in Poltava.
Energy Minister German Galushchenko condemned the attack, labeling it as part of Russia’s ongoing “energy terror.” Gas production facilities in central Ukraine were among the key targets, forcing Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, to halt production in the Poltava region. The state-owned Naftogaz also confirmed damage to critical gas facilities but reported no casualties.
The missile barrage comes at a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s relations with the U.S. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has faced mounting challenges after an icy meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington. Trump, who has been vocal about seeking a swift resolution to the war, criticized Zelenskiy and questioned Ukraine’s approach to peace negotiations. Following their meeting, Zelenskiy expressed willingness to engage in peace talks under U.S. leadership, emphasizing the need to pressure Russia into ceasing hostilities.
In a bid to restore ties with Washington, Zelenskiy announced plans to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman next Monday, ahead of U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia later in the week. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly been in talks with both Ukraine and Russia regarding a potential peace framework.
On the battlefield, Ukraine is under mounting pressure as Russian forces advance in the eastern Donetsk region and intensify operations near the Kursk border. With limited military aid from the U.S., Ukraine faces increasing difficulties in maintaining its defenses and countering Russia’s relentless assaults. The pause in support may further weaken Ukraine’s air defenses, raising concerns about future Russian offensives targeting critical infrastructure.
