Overnight on October 16, a large‑scale Russian air strike on Ukraine targeted energy and civilian infrastructure, coinciding with President Zelensky’s call for U.S. sanctions before a meeting with President Trump.
Nighttime Mass Air Attack on Ukraine
On the morning of Thursday, October 16, Ukraine’s air‑defence alert was raised nationwide after a Russian MiG‑31K launched hypersonic “Kinzhal” missiles. The strike included more than 300 drones and 37 missiles, hitting cities such as Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Izium, and Poltava, and a residential block in Nižyn.
The Kyiv Independent, citing Ukrainian Air Force data, noted that battlespace drones and “Shahed” drones were used along with ballistic and maneuvering missiles, targeting the energy sector and civilian infrastructure.
Zelensky: Rescue Operations Ongoing Everywhere
Ukraine’s president, in a social‑media post, confirmed that the attacks focused on the energy sector and highlighted ongoing rescue efforts. He warned that Russian forces were engaging in a “double terror” campaign—using kamikaze drones and then attacking firefighters and power workers repairing damaged sites.
Zelensky urged the U.S., Europe, and other partners to impose sanctions and noted that the aggression was “every day” aimed at crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Upcoming Trump‑Zelensky Meeting
On Friday, October 17, President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet President Zelensky in the White House to discuss arms deliveries, including potential U.S. sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Ukraine’s planned offensive.
During a press conference, Trump expressed frustration with the lack of progress toward peace, described President Vladimir Putin as the main obstacle, and urged the end of the war in Ukraine.
