Russian Drone Attacks on Ukrainian Infrastructure Escalate, Prompting New U.S. Sanctions

Ukraine reports a surge in shelling and drone attacks by Russia, raising concerns that Moscow is targeting energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Dozens of Russian drones were downed, and civilian infrastructure was hit by shelling and drone attacks in Kharkiv. The Ukrainian military stated that the drones were launched from Russia's Kursk region and the Primorsk-Akhtarsk area. While no casualties have been reported, fires caused by the attacks have damaged buildings. Ukraine and its Western partners fear a repeat of last winter's strategy, where Russia targeted energy infrastructure, leaving millions without power, heat, and water. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to strengthen air defense and mobile fire groups in response.