Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Russian air attacks caused widespread power outages and casualties across Ukraine on Wednesday, including in the capital Kyiv, while a potential summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was reportedly shelved. Ukrainian authorities confirmed at least six fatalities, including a six-month-old baby, and 17 injuries following the large-scale assault involving drones, missiles, and fighter jets. President Trump had indicated the meeting could be “a waste of time” just hours before the attacks.
Widespread Attacks and Casualties
The coordinated strikes targeted energy infrastructure and residential areas across the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that “ordinary cities” were also hit, leading to significant destruction. The attacks mark an escalation in the ongoing conflict, forcing emergency power cuts in most regions.
In Kyiv’s Dniprovskiy district, two people died and ten were rescued after drone debris struck a 16-story residential building, igniting a fire. Further east, in the Brovary district, a woman, a 12-year-old girl, and a six-month-old baby were killed when their home caught fire. Northeastern Kharkiv also reported a fatality, a 40-year-old man, and six injuries from Russian strikes.
Ukraine’s state-owned energy operator, Ukrenergo, confirmed the implementation of emergency power cuts nationwide due to the damage. DTEK, the country’s largest private energy company, reported “significant” damage to one of its facilities in the Odesa region. Energy workers are actively working to restore services.
Ukrainian Response and International Reaction
President Zelensky, who was on a diplomatic visit to Norway and Sweden, condemned the attacks, noting a Russian drone strike on a kindergarten in Kharkiv. He urged the European Union and the United States to increase pressure on Russia. Katarina Maternovak, the European Union’s ambassador to Ukraine, described the night as a “night of horror” from her hotel in Kyiv.
Trump-Putin Summit Shelved
The announcement of the shelved summit came after President Trump expressed reservations about its utility. An administration official told CNN on Tuesday that there were “no plans” for a meeting between the two leaders “in the immediate future.” Trump suggested he might still meet with President Putin but indicated it was no longer a priority.
Ukrainian Counter-Offensive
Hours prior to Russia’s widespread attacks, Ukraine claimed to have used British-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles to target Russia’s Bryansk Chemical Plant. The plant is known for producing gunpowder and other explosive materials. The regional governor of Bryansk reported that 57 “enemy aircraft-type UAVs” were detected and destroyed during a Ukrainian attack on Tuesday, though he did not specifically mention the plant.
Trump’s Stance on Aid
This diplomatic shift follows reports that President Trump had recently denied Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles. According to European officials briefed on a White House meeting with President Zelensky, Trump also insisted that Ukraine make territorial concessions to Russia to end the conflict.
Following Wednesday’s devastating attacks, President Zelensky reiterated his call for a united international front. He emphasized the importance of the world not remaining silent and responding cohesively to Russia’s “vile strikes.”
Key Developments
The latest wave of deadly Russian air attacks has intensified the conflict in Ukraine, leading to significant casualties and infrastructure damage. These developments coincide with a notable shift in US-Russia diplomatic prospects, as a potential summit between President Trump and President Putin has been put on hold.
