Russia has intensified its assault on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, launching a significant barrage of missiles and drones overnight, which has severely impacted the country’s power supply and ability to sustain its defences. This latest attack, which also resulted in residential damage and injuries to at least ten civilians, comes just days after the United States halted military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, in a bid to instigate a peace agreement influenced by the Trump administration. The withdrawal of US intelligence is believed to impede Ukraine’s capacity to retaliate effectively against Russia’s strikes.
The US government confirmed the cessation of access to unclassified satellite imagery that had been instrumental in Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts. The satellite provider, Maxar Technologies, acknowledged that this decision was taken under the current administration’s directive regarding support for Ukraine.
With the West’s air-defence systems proving critical, further US assistance remains uncertain following contentious discussions between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump questioned Ukraine’s commitment to resolving the conflict. Subsequently, Zelenskyy expressed regret over these tensions and emphasised the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian forces against Russia’s larger military presence along the extensive front lines.
In response to this evolving situation, European Union leaders have acknowledged the necessity for enhanced military expenditure to support Ukraine and bolster their defence mechanisms. Talks are set to take place in Saudi Arabia next week between US and Ukrainian officials to explore potential peace strategies, amid Russia’s continued barrage of missile attacks targeting vital gas extraction facilities.
Zelenskyy has proposed measures including a ceasefire and a suspension of missile and drone strikes on civilian energy infrastructures, gaining the backing of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan expressed a desire for an immediate halting of conflict as a confidence-building tactic between both parties.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, defended the targeting of Ukraine’s energy supply, linking it to the country’s military capabilities. According to reports, Ukraine downed a significant number of incoming missiles and drones during the latest assault, with the air force managing to intercept 34 missiles and 100 drones, despite Russia’s extensive aerial campaign, which included firing 67 missiles and deploying nearly 200 drones.
As Ukraine continues to grapple with the ramifications of cutoff intelligence support and escalating attacks, the country remains open to diplomatic outreach in hopes of achieving a resolution to the ongoing conflict.