Russia strikes nine Ukrainian regions as strain grows between Zelenskyy and Trump

Russian strikes on nine Ukrainian regions have left hundreds of thousands without power and caused damage to numerous homes, with at least 15 people wounded, according to officials on Friday. The latest attacks come amid growing concerns that the deteriorating relationship between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump could leave Ukraine more vulnerable to Russian aerial assaults as winter approaches.

Russian attacks on the power grid are an annual occurrence in the conflict, aimed at undermining Ukraine's resilience by depriving citizens of heating and running water. Ukrainian officials have warned of potential missile stockpiles from Russia for upcoming strikes. Ukraine ended a brief truce on energy-related targets on Thursday, citing Moscow's alleged non-compliance despite U.S. President Trump's call for a ceasefire.

Zelenskyy attended a summit of European leaders in Brussels, where they pledged to continue supporting Ukraine and urged the U.S. to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin. The escalating tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy have raised doubts about U.S. support for Ukraine. Ukraine is short on essential U.S.-made Patriot missiles needed to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks, and tensions are also rising over the U.S. company SpaceX's military-grade Starlink satellite internet service.