Russia launched a “massive missile and drone” attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Friday, according to Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko. The assault comes as Washington announced that talks with Kyiv are back on track to secure a ceasefire in the three-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The latest air strikes followed a crisis summit in Brussels on Thursday, where EU leaders agreed to boost the bloc’s defenses amid concerns over potential U.S. disengagement from the region. The attacks also coincided with renewed diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Ukraine, after a public disagreement between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, with Zelensky expressing hope for a “meaningful meeting.” U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff pledged to discuss an “initial ceasefire” with Russia and a “framework” for a longer-term agreement.
However, early Friday, Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure came under heavy fire. Galushchenko stated on Facebook, “Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without power and heating, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens.”
In Kharkiv, five people were wounded in a strike, including a woman rescued from the rubble. Mayor Igor Terekhov reported on Telegram that a fire broke out at the impact site, damaging a nearby apartment building and forcing evacuations. Kharkiv Governor Oleg Synegubov added that a private company was hit, leaving cars on fire and hospitalizing two individuals.
In the Odesa region, a strike damaged “critical infrastructure” late Thursday, though no injuries were reported. Similarly, in the Ternopil region, a missile struck a “critical industrial facility,” prompting air defense forces to shoot down an enemy missile. Governor Vyacheslav Negoda warned of potential gas supply restrictions but confirmed no casualties.
EU Moves to Strengthen Defense Amid U.S. Uncertainty
In Brussels, EU leaders approved a plan to “re-arm Europe” against the perceived threat from Russia, rallying around Ukraine after Zelensky’s public fallout with Trump and the U.S. pause on military aid to Kyiv.
Antonio Costa, head of the Council of the EU’s 27 states, stated, “We are moving decisively towards a strong and more sovereign Europe of defense. We are putting our money where our mouth is.”
The EU endorsed a plan to mobilize approximately 800 billion euros ($860 billion) for defense spending, with a proposal to provide member states with EU-backed loans of up to 150 billion euros. The initiative aims to ease fiscal rules, allowing countries to increase defense expenditures significantly.
The move comes as Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, embraces radical reforms to fund the country’s rearmament, and France’s President Emmanuel Macron calls for a surge in defense spending, even suggesting extending France’s nuclear deterrent to European partners.
European governments are under pressure to bolster their defenses as Trump questions the U.S. role in NATO, reiterating on Thursday that allies “should be paying more.”
DAILY MENTOR reports that the escalating conflict and renewed diplomatic efforts highlight the complex dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia war. While the EU seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities, the U.S. and Ukraine are working towards a ceasefire, even as Russia continues its aggressive military actions.
The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments in Ukraine and the broader implications for European security and global stability.