Russia batters Ukraine’s energy grid as Zelenskyy appeals to Trump for more arms

Ukraine’s national energy operator, Ukrenergo, reported blackouts across eight regions, including the capital, Kyiv. DTEK, the country’s largest private energy firm, halted natural gas extraction in the Poltava region due to damage, while Naftogaz confirmed it was the sixth attack on gas facilities this month.

The Ukrainian grid has been a repeated target since Russia’s full-scale invasion began more than three years ago. Ukrainian officials call Moscow’s winter strategy “weaponising winter,” though Russia insists it strikes only military sites.

Ukraine has continued retaliating by hitting Russian oil refineries and critical energy infrastructure. On Thursday, Ukraine’s general staff claimed responsibility for another strike on the Saratov oil refinery, around 500 kilometres from the border. Moscow has not commented on the claim.

Zelenskyy’s Washington mission: Missiles, air defences, and sanctions

Zelenskyy, expected to arrive in Washington late Thursday, is seeking advanced U.S. weaponry — including cruise missiles, new air defence systems, and joint drone production agreements. Ukrainian officials also want stronger sanctions to restrict Moscow’s war funding.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said in Brussels that if Moscow continues to reject peace negotiations, Washington “will take the steps necessary to impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression.”

Trump, meanwhile, revealed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him India would stop purchasing Russian oil — a move that could deprive Moscow of a key revenue stream.

Although U.S. officials have hesitated to approve the supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles, fearing escalation, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said such a move would not heighten tensions, arguing it would merely “mirror Russia’s own use of … long-range cruise missiles against Ukraine.”

Ukraine deepens defence cooperation with U.S. firms

As Kyiv faces uncertainty about future Western aid, it is moving to strengthen domestic defence production. Ukraine’s Economy Ministry announced a memorandum of understanding with U.S. aerospace firm Bell Textron Inc. to collaborate on aviation technology. The Texas-based company will open an office and testing centre in Ukraine, sharing expertise and providing training in the United States.

A separate Ukrainian delegation also met with U.S. defence giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon this week, signalling Kyiv’s determination to boost its own arms manufacturing capacity even as it continues to rely heavily on American military support.