Ukraine Navigates Trump's U-Turn

Zelensky seeks Starshield and Patriot missiles as Russia escalates drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

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Oct 21, 2026

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Ukraine Navigates Trump's U-Turn

Zelensky seeks Starshield and Patriot missiles as Russia escalates drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

In brief

Zelensky seeks Starshield and Patriot missiles as Russia escalates drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Ukraine urgently needs Starshield and Patriot missiles after Russia's intensified drone and missile strikes on energy facilities. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.

U.S. President Trump's U-Turn

An emergency responder wearing a helmet and tactical gear stands in a heavily damaged room, looking down at piles of rubble, bricks, and debris. Beyond a large,

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would be open to talks with Russia and China over Ukraine's future.

“Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine. They haven’t been doing much.”

Escalating Russian Attacks

Russia launched 4,000 attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine in September, a 65 percent increase over the previous year.

Energy Infrastructure Under Threat

Over 300 civilians killed last month, an 85 percent increase over the previous year, with 145 strikes damaging Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Zelensky's Plea for Support

Zelensky's Plea for Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pleading for Starshield restoration, full intelligence sharing, and Patriot missile delivery.

Winter Threatens Ukraine

Russia aims to leave Ukrainians in the dark and cold during winter to break popular support for continuing the fight.

Kyiv's Power Crisis

Over half a million people without power after weekend attacks, with Russia targeting Kyiv's power plants.

Ukraine's Energy Response

Ukraine has stepped up aerial attacks on Russian oil facilities, reducing Moscow's energy earnings significantly.

Zelensky's Oslo Talks

Zelensky met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo, Norway, with Jared Kushner joining remotely.

Ukraine's Power System

Ukraine has lost two-thirds of its prewar electricity generation capacity after 2,000 strikes since mid-July.

Transmission Strikes

Russia systematically targets high-voltage transmission to disrupt Ukraine's power system and prevent European assistance.

In short

Ukraine urgently needs Starshield and Patriot missiles after Russia's intensified drone and missile strikes on energy facilities.

Read the original on Foreign Policy

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