In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in a targeted bombardment. Ukrainian authorities reported widespread blackouts across eight regions, including the capital, Kyiv. The attacks forced DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, to halt natural gas extraction in the central Poltava region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, accusing Russia of using cluster munitions and repeatedly targeting emergency repair crews. He emphasized that Russia’s strategy of attacking energy facilities aims to cripple Ukraine’s resilience as winter approaches. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to request advanced air defense systems and long-range missiles to counter the ongoing aerial assaults. The Ukrainian power grid has been a primary target since Russia’s invasion over three years ago, with attacks intensifying as colder months near. Despite Ukraine’s resistance, the country’s vast territory makes it challenging to defend against aerial attacks. Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S. also seeks to secure tougher international economic sanctions on Moscow and joint drone production agreements. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Washington will impose costs on Russia if it continues its aggression. Trump, frustrated by the prolonged conflict, has expressed impatience with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he views as the main obstacle to peace. The U.S. has hesitated to provide long-range missiles, fearing escalation, but Trump’s administration is exploring ways to increase pressure on Russia to end the war.