Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukrainian Energy Facilities Amid Truce Proposals

On Friday, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 67 missiles and 194 drones were launched, damaging energy facilities from Kharkiv in the east to Ternopil in the west. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones, deploying French Mirage fighters for the first time in defense. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, targeting energy facilities allegedly supporting Ukrainian military operations. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy supplier, reported its facilities in the Odesa region were hit for the fourth consecutive night, while gas facilities in Poltava ceased operations after being struck. Naftogaz also reported damage to its production facilities. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy and gas production facilities to harm civilians. Eight people were injured in an attack in Kharkiv. These attacks followed calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies for a mutual halt to attacks on critical infrastructure. Zelensky has also expressed readiness to negotiate peace under the leadership of Donald Trump and is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to discuss potential truce negotiations with U.S. officials.