Russia launches huge attack on Ukraine following Trump-Zelensky meeting

Desmond Milligan · August 19

Russia launched a major attack overnight on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with President Trump and European leaders on Monday at the White House.

Several dozen drones targeted the nation’s gas transmission system, causing widespread fires, according to the Ministry of Energy.

“The enemy continues systematic terrorist attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which is a direct violation of international humanitarian law. Since March 2025, more than 2900 attacks have been carried out on energy infrastructure,” the Ministry wrote in a statement after the strike.

“The Ministry of Energy calls on the international community to increase sanctions pressure on the aggressor state and provide Ukraine with additional support to protect critical infrastructure facilities.”

Ukrainian officials said 230 of 270 drones launched by Russia and six of the 10 missiles fired were shot down.

“Thank you to air defenders for protecting the skies! russian terror must be stopped,” the Ministry of Defense wrote in an early morning post on X.

The strike came hours after Zelensky said security guarantees for Ukraine could be outlined within the next 10 days.

Zelensky following his White House meeting urged world leaders to aid him in ending more than three years of bloodshed.

“I thank all our partners for their determination and support. Ukraine feels this strength. And we will do everything to make the path to peace a reality – through partnership, through security guarantees, and through the courage of the Ukrainian people,” the Ukrainian leader wrote in a post on X.

Zelensky earlier Monday criticized Putin over Russian attacks on Ukraine ahead of the White House meeting.

“The Russian war machine continues to destroy lives despite everything. Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts. That is precisely why we are seeking assistance to put an end to the killings,” Zelensky wrote in a Monday post on X.

“That is why reliable security guarantees are required. That is why Russia should not be rewarded for its participation in this war. The war must be ended. And it is Moscow that must hear the word: ‘Stop.'”

Trump had said earlier that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday in Alaska was “productive” and could soon yield a deal.

Updated at 10:00 a.m. EDT

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