A major Russian drone and missile attack struck gas facilities in eastern Ukraine, coinciding with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington to meet Donald Trump. Their discussions centered on the U.S. potentially supplying Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Early Thursday, Russia launched hundreds of drones, dozens of missiles, and glide bombs, causing power outages in eight regions as part of a widespread assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy reported on X that over 300 attack drones and 37 missiles, many of them ballistic, were used. He noted that Russia has been targeting Ukraine’s energy systems daily this autumn.
The attack affected regions including Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, and Vinnytsia. In Kharkiv, the Shebelinka gas processing plant was hit, resulting in large columns of black smoke and intense fires. Plant employees told the Guardian that drones and missiles struck just after 5:30 a.m., igniting at least two fires in different areas.
Since the 2022 invasion, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power infrastructure during winter, leading to emergency blackouts and energy imports. The Russian defense ministry claimed the strikes were a response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure, specifically mentioning Kinzhal missiles aimed at military facilities.
Sergii Koretskyi, CEO of Naftogaz, confirmed damage and destruction across several regions, halting operations at critical sites. Following the strikes, Ukraine’s grid operator imposed emergency power cuts in eight areas. The air force stated that out of 320 drones and 37 missiles launched, 283 drones and five missiles were intercepted.
The attacks primarily focused on Kharkiv and Poltava regions, where DTEK, the largest private energy provider, shut down a gas production facility. Recent reports indicate that about 60% of Ukraine’s gas production has been halted due to these strikes, with power station attacks leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington follows two recent phone calls with Trump, marking a thaw in their relationship after a contentious meeting earlier this year. Trump has shown increasing frustration with Vladimir Putin and sympathy for Ukraine. During the visit, Ukrainian officials met with U.S. weapons manufacturers, including Raytheon, which produces Tomahawk missiles. A source told AFP that Zelenskyy would also meet arms makers to discuss delivery timelines, pending a political green light.
Russia has issued warnings against supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine.The potential deployment of long-range missiles to Ukraine, which could bring Moscow and other major Russian cities within striking distance, would severely damage relations with Washington and lead to further escalation. The source did not specify the number of missiles under consideration but indicated the quantity would be sufficient for Putin to take notice. This report includes contributions from Agence France-Presse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Russian forces striking Ukrainian gas facilities as President Zelenskyy heads to the US for talks formatted with clear questions and concise answers
Basic Contextual Questions
1 What happened
Russian military forces launched strikes targeting key natural gas storage and transit facilities inside Ukraine
2 Why is this happening now
The timing appears strategic coinciding with President Zelenskyys trip to the US to discuss support with former President Trump potentially to undermine Ukraines negotiating position and demonstrate Russian military pressure
3 Who is President Zelenskyy meeting in the US
He is scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump who is currently the presumptive Republican nominee for the upcoming presidential election
4 Why are these gas facilities important
They are crucial for storing gas to heat Ukrainian homes during winter and for transporting gas to European countries which generates vital revenue for Ukraine
5 What is the immediate impact of these strikes
The immediate impacts are damage to infrastructure potential disruption to Ukraines energy supply and a rise in regional energy security concerns
Strategic Advanced Questions
6 What is the strategic goal for Russia in attacking these facilities
Russia aims to cripple Ukraines economy weaken its military logistics put pressure on European energy markets and create leverage ahead of diplomatic talks
7 How does this affect Europes energy supply
While Europe has reduced its direct reliance on Russian gas since the 2022 invasion Ukraines gas storage is used by European companies Attacks on this infrastructure create market instability and could lead to higher prices
8 What is the connection between the military strikes and Zelenskyys diplomatic visit
The strikes are a form of kinetic diplomacyusing military force to send a message during diplomatic events Its Russias way of showing that it can escalate at will and that Ukraine remains vulnerable despite Western support
9 How might this influence Trumps stance on the war
It could reinforce arguments from those who favor a swift end to the conflict potentially through a negotiated settlement that might involve Ukrainian concessions Conversely it might also be used to argue for providing Ukraine with more advanced weapons to protect its infrastructure
10 What are the potential longterm consequences
Longterm consequences include the permanent degradation of Ukraines energy infrastructure increased reconstruction costs
