Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a child had been killed in Zaporizhzhia and more than 20 people were wounded across Ukraine when Russia launched a large-scale attack overnight into Friday.
Why It Matters
The Russian strikes come as President Donald Trump is deciding how to apply greater pressure on Moscow to push it to make peace. He could apply tougher sanctions and tariffs to hit its oil-reliant economy or provide Ukraine with more and better weaponry that can strike deep into Russia, such as Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on October 8 the "powerful momentum" toward finding a peace settlement in Ukraine that built up after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on August 15 has been "largely exhausted," laying the blame at the door of Kyiv's European allies.
What To Know
Zelensky said Russia is now targeting energy infrastructure before winter sets in.
"At many critical infrastructure sites, recovery efforts continue following Russia’s strike on the energy sector," Zelensky said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, early Friday.
"It was a cynical and calculated attack, with more than 450 drones and over thirty missiles targeting everything that sustains normal life, everything the Russians want to deprive us of."
He said more than 20 people across the country have been reported injured, adding: "Sadly, a child was killed in Zaporizhzhia as a result of the attack."
He said it was possible to defend the people from "this terror" but it would take decisive action "not window dressing," from the U.S., Europe and the G7 "in delivering air defense systems and enforcing sanctions."
What People Are Saying
Zelensky said in his post: "We count on a response to this brutality from the G20 and from all those who speak of peace in their statements yet refrain from taking real steps. The world can defend itself against these crimes – and doing so will undoubtedly strengthen global security."
Ryabkov told Russia's State Duma on Wednesday: "Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that the powerful momentum from Anchorage toward reaching agreements has, through the efforts of opponents and supporters of the 'war to the last Ukrainian'—primarily among Europeans—been largely exhausted."
What Happens Next
Zelensky will be hoping for decisive action from Ukraine's allies as both sides in the war maintain their attack on each other's energy infrastucture.
Update 10/10/2025 3:37 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to include more information.
