Record Drone Wave Hits Ukraine as Russia and Ukraine Resume Energy Strikes Despite Trump Warnings
Attacks escalate on both sides
Moscow sent a record swarm of drones overnight against infrastructure in central Ukraine. Zelenskyy said Russia had used more than 850 Shahed drones, as Ukraine’s defensive capabilities were being “artificially restricted,” he said.
Trump warns over refinery strikes
Ukraine said it would temporarily refrain from striking Russian refineries to demonstrate its willingness to negotiate. Meanwhile, Russia continued heavy attacks on civilian infrastructure, using hypersonic and ballistic missiles against key Ukrainian power plants. Cities including Kyiv were without power and water for hours.
Dispute over US support
Ukraine said Washington had not provided advance warning of Russian missile strikes for several days this week. Ukrainian soldiers also said access to US military-controlled Starshield programmes had been restricted, disrupting frontline drone missions. Asked by Piers Morgan whether he felt betrayed, Zelenskyy answered yes, saying, “It’s a pity that we are losing, we are losing a strong partner.”
Key points
- Russia launched more than 850 Shahed drones at Ukraine, Zelenskyy said.
- Ryazan officials reported a refinery attack involving 69 drones and four Flamingo cruise missiles.
- Ukraine said it had paused refinery strikes to show it was ready for negotiations.
- Zelenskyy said US restrictions on Starshield access disrupted Ukrainian frontline drone missions.