KYIV, Ukraine — In a significant escalation, Russia launched a night-time offensive against Ukrainian energy installations using an array of missiles and drones, according to Ukrainian officials on Friday. This assault severely impacted the nation’s capability to maintain power supply, affecting essential services like heating for households and production at crucial defense industry sites.
The aggressive strike, which damaged civilian properties and injured at least ten individuals, coincided with the United States halting military assistance and intelligence to Ukraine. This move aims to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace proposal advocated by the Trump administration. Without the advantage of U.S. intelligence, Ukraine finds itself at a disadvantage in countering Russian attacks and planning strategic defenses.
On Friday, it was publicly disclosed that the U.S. government had ceased Ukraine’s access to unclassified satellite imagery—an essential tool that had previously aided Ukraine in resisting Russian advances.
A representative from the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency stated the decision was in accordance with “the Administration’s directive on support to Ukraine,” without offering further details. Maxar Technologies, an organization that provides satellite imagery, confirmed this temporary suspension of services to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s reliance on Western-supplied air defense systems remains critical, but future U.S. commitments appear uncertain. President Donald Trump has previously expressed skepticism regarding Ukraine’s dedication to resolving the conflict, notably during a spectacular televised encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy characterized the diplomatic tensions with the Trump administration as “regrettable.”
Meanwhile, the European Union, recognizing the possibility that their role in supporting Ukraine may grow, agreed to a plan on Thursday to substantially increase military expenditures.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces encounter growing pressure from the larger Russian military, particularly along a 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) frontline.
Looking forward, U.S. and Ukrainian officials plan to convene in Saudi Arabia next week, addressing ways to halt the prolonged conflict that began when Russia initiated a full-scale invasion over three years ago. President Trump hinted at imposing new sanctions on Russia as a potential strategy to bring them to the negotiating table.
When questioned whether Russian President Vladimir Putin might exploit the U.S.’s pause on intelligence-sharing to intensify attacks, Trump responded by implying it’s a calculated military move.
The severity of the attack was termed “massive” by Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Herman Halushchenko, on social media, highlighting Russia’s intention to destabilize civilian life by targeting energy and gas production infrastructure.
Throughout the ongoing war, Russia has frequently targeted Ukraine’s power grid, causing widespread disruptions and contributing to a humanitarian crisis by depriving civilians of essential services during harsh weather conditions. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of deliberately aiming to weaken civilian resolve through these tactics.
In response to Ukraine’s proposals for initial steps towards de-escalating the conflict, including calls for ceasing attacks on civilian infrastructure, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed support. Erdogan advocates for an immediate ceasefire and an end to military aggression, especially pertaining to attacks on critical civilian sites.
Zelenskyy initially suggested these peace-building measures on social media, referencing a willingness to work under Trump’s guidance to secure a sustainable peace.
The Kremlin, via spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, defended targeting energy supplies, citing their association with Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Defensive actions were taken by Russia as well, with the Russian Defense Ministry reporting the neutralization of 39 Ukrainian drones.
Ukraine’s largest independent gas provider, DTEK, reported that the Odesa region recently experienced its sixth strike in less than three weeks, alongside similar attacks in other regions.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia utilized 67 missiles and launched 194 drones, intended to disrupt natural gas extraction operations throughout the country.
In an attempt to mitigate the latest barrage, Ukraine employed newly acquired French Mirage-2000 aircraft alongside F-16 fighter jets to intercept the incoming missiles. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones, with additional missiles and drones being neutralized or disabled by electronic countermeasures.
Maxar Technologies’ data, previously accessible to Kyiv, provided insight into battlefield conditions and enemy movements, a crucial resource before the war erupted. However, decisions regarding the usage of this data rest with Maxar’s clients, including the U.S. government and numerous international partners.
