Russia initiates a significant missile assault on Ukraine following the US withdrawal of military assistance.

Russian troops targeted Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure overnight in a significant missile strike, marking their first major assault since the U.S. halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine, increasing pressure on Kyiv as President Donald Trump aims for a quick resolution to the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aiming to bolster Western backing for his nation following Trump’s diplomatic shift towards Moscow, proposed a ceasefire that would include air and sea but exclude ground forces – a concept initially suggested by France.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a barrage of 67 missiles and 194 drones during the overnight assault, stating that they intercepted 34 of the missiles and 100 of the drones.

Local authorities from the northeastern city of Kharkiv to the western city of Ternopil indicated harm to energy and other facilities. Officials reported that eight individuals sustained injuries in Kharkiv, and two others, one of whom is a child, were injured in Poltava.

Every night, Russia strikes Ukrainian cities and towns distant from the front lines using drones, but the assault on Friday marked the first significant strike since the halt of U.S. military assistance and intelligence this week. Ukraine’s ties with the U.S., once its key ally, have deteriorated sharply following Zelenskiy’s heated confrontation with Trump in the Oval Office last Friday before the global media.

Trump remarked later that Zelenskiy – whom he had previously called a “dictator” – was a hindrance to his plans for achieving peace in Ukraine.

In an effort to mend relations, Zelenskiy stated on Tuesday that Kyiv was prepared to engage in negotiations promptly and to collaborate under Trump’s guidance, describing the situation in Washington as “unfortunate.”