Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine as Zelensky Seeks US Military Aid in White House Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.

Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in its latest campaign targeting the power grid. This attack occurred as President Zelensky prepared to request additional American-made air defense systems and long-range missiles during his upcoming White House meeting with President Donald Trump.

Following the bombardment, eight Ukrainian regions experienced widespread power outages, according to Ukrenergo, the national energy operator. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, reported blackouts in Kyiv and suspended natural gas extraction operations in the central Poltava region. Naftogaz, the state-owned oil and gas company, confirmed that natural gas infrastructure was damaged for the sixth time this month.

Zelensky revealed that Russia deployed more than 300 drones and 37 missiles against Ukraine overnight. He alleged that Russian forces used cluster munitions and conducted repeated strikes on the same locations to target emergency personnel and engineers working on grid repairs.

"This fall, the Russians are using every single day to strike our energy infrastructure," Zelensky stated on Telegram.

The Ukrainian power grid has been consistently targeted by Russia since the invasion began over three years ago. These attacks intensify as winter approaches, implementing what Ukrainian officials describe as a strategy of "weaponizing winter." Russian authorities maintain they only target facilities with military significance.

Despite facing Russia's larger and better-equipped military, Ukrainian forces have managed to contain the conflict to a war of attrition along the approximately 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line across eastern and southern regions.

However, Ukraine—a country nearly the size of Texas—struggles to provide comprehensive air defense coverage. Kyiv officials are seeking enhanced Western support to counter aerial attacks and retaliate against Russia.

Zelensky was expected to arrive in the United States on Thursday before his Oval Office meeting with President Trump.

Ukrainian officials indicate that their country is seeking cruise missiles, air defense systems, and joint drone production agreements from the United States. Zelensky also advocates for stronger international economic sanctions against Moscow.

The presidential visit coincides with indications that Trump is considering increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to overcome the stalemate in US-led peace initiatives.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in Brussels on Wednesday that if Russia continues to refuse peace negotiations, Washington "will take the steps necessary to impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression."

The United States has been reluctant to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles such as Tomahawks, fearing potential escalation of the conflict and increased tensions with Russia.

However, President Trump has expressed frustration with the ongoing war and growing impatience with Putin, whom he increasingly identifies as the primary obstacle to a resolution.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, published an assessment stating that providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would not escalate the conflict but would merely "mirror Russia's own use of... long-range cruise missiles against Ukraine."

In a separate development, Ukraine's Economy Ministry announced on Thursday a memorandum of understanding with US aerospace company Bell Textron Inc. for cooperation in aviation technology.

The Texas-based defense company plans to establish an office in Ukraine along with an assembly and testing center, while exchanging expertise and providing training for Ukrainians in the United States.

Facing uncertainty about Western support, Ukraine is actively developing its domestic arms industry. On Wednesday, a Ukrainian government delegation met with prominent American weapons manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Raytheon during their US visit.