Russian forces launched widespread attacks across nine Ukrainian regions on Friday, leaving hundreds of thousands of households without electricity and injuring at least 15 people, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes targeted critical energy infrastructure as Moscow intensified its campaign ahead of winter. A new United Nations report revealed that civilian casualties in September surged 85 per cent compared with the same month last year, with at least 328 people killed and 2,105 injured. UN officials warned that the first two weeks of October were among the deadliest periods for Ukrainian civilians in recent years.
The escalating attacks come amid deteriorating relations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy accused Trump of betraying Ukraine, while the American president publicly criticized the Ukrainian leader, raising concerns about Washington’s continued military support. Speaking at a European Union summit in Brussels, Zelenskyy urged European leaders to maintain pressure on Russia and warned that Moscow had shown no willingness to end the war. EU leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and called on Washington to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine is also facing growing military challenges, including shortages of U.S.-made Patriot air defence missiles and disruptions to Western intelligence sharing. Zelenskyy raised concerns about restrictions affecting Starshield, the military-grade satellite communications system operated by SpaceX, which reportedly slowed Ukrainian drone operations. Although some restrictions are being eased, he said normal operating capabilities have not been fully restored. Trump denied ordering the limitations and questioned whether SpaceX owner Elon Musk was responsible.
Meanwhile, Putin instructed Russian military commanders to continue their offensive, particularly in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, while maintaining attacks on energy facilities, transportation networks and other infrastructure. Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov confirmed that Moscow had allocated resources to sustain the bombardment. Zelenskyy warned European leaders that Ukraine’s war effort would cost approximately US$174 billion next year, with the country requiring at least US$79 billion in European assistance. As winter approaches, Ukrainian officials fear further attacks on essential infrastructure could deepen the humanitarian crisis and place additional pressure on the country’s defence capabilities.
