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RUSSIA has launched a sweeping aerial bombardment across Ukraine, unleashing more than 300 drones and 37 missiles in a fresh assault on the country’s power grid, prompting widespread blackouts and renewed calls from Kyiv for advanced Western weaponry.
AP reported on Friday that the overnight barrage struck eight regions, including the capital, Kyiv, and caused significant damage to gas and energy infrastructure.
Ukraine’s national energy operator, Ukrenergo, confirmed severe disruptions, while DTEK, the largest private energy firm, was forced to suspend natural gas extraction in the Poltava region. Naftogaz, the state-owned oil and gas company, reported its infrastructure had been hit for the sixth time this month.
“This autumn, the Russians are using every single day to strike our energy infrastructure,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He accused Moscow of targeting the same sites multiple times in quick succession to harm first responders and repair crews, and of using cluster munitions.
Russia maintains that it only targets military assets, though Ukraine says Moscow is weaponising winter by crippling energy systems as temperatures fall.
Zelenskyy seeks military support from Washington
The attacks come as President Zelenskyy prepares to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, with urgent requests for American-made air defence systems, cruise missiles and increased military cooperation on the agenda.
Kyiv is also lobbying for expanded sanctions on Moscow and new joint drone production agreements with US firms. Zelenskyy’s visit follows renewed pressure from Trump, who has grown frustrated with the prolonged conflict and Moscow’s intransigence in peace efforts.
Trump announced Thursday that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, in a bid to end the war, though no date has been confirmed.
“I believe great progress was made with today’s telephone conversation,” Trump posted on Truth Social, referring to his call with Putin. He added that he would brief Zelenskyy on the discussion when they meet.
US weighs delivery of long-range missiles
The Biden administration has so far hesitated to provide long-range Tomahawk missiles, citing fears of escalation.
However, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War has argued such weapons would not escalate the conflict, stating they would merely “mirror Russia’s own use of long-range cruise missiles against Ukraine.”
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed growing American frustration in Brussels, saying: “If Russia won’t budge from its objections and refuses to negotiate a peace deal, Washington will take the steps necessary to impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression.”
Meanwhile, Trump has claimed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to halt Russian oil purchases — a potential blow to Moscow’s war finances.
Ukraine boosts defence partnerships with US firms
Amid growing uncertainty over Western support, Ukraine is working to strengthen its domestic arms industry.
On Thursday, the Ukrainian Economy Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with US defence contractor Bell Textron Inc., which will open a local office and establish a testing and assembly centre.
The Fort Worth-based aerospace firm will also train Ukrainian personnel in the United States, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral defence cooperation. - October 17, 2025