Ukraine Faces Renewed Russian Attacks on Infrastructure, Starlink Disruptions

Russia has intensified its campaign against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, with recent missile and drone strikes targeting power plants in Kyiv and Kharkiv. These attacks are increasingly seen as a deliberate strategy to make Ukrainian cities unlivable and pressure the population into capitulation, as frontlines remain largely frozen. The strikes have led to widespread blackouts and water outages, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Adding to Ukraine's challenges, President Zelenskyy has reported that military access to the Starlink satellite internet service has not been fully restored. Reports suggest that restrictions on Starlink access originated from within the White House, a development described by Zelenskyy as a "dangerous and unpleasant surprise." This disruption comes as Ukraine seeks continued international support, with Zelenskyy requesting an additional €70 billion from the EU for defense funding next year. Meanwhile, Italy has voiced strong opposition to any perceived weakening of US support for Ukraine, calling it a "major mistake" and asserting that Putin cannot be stopped through such means.