Brief
Ukraine pushes back Russian attacks as US support wavers
Ukraine says Russian drones and missiles hit dozens of energy targets after the US lifted oil sanctions and curtailed satellite services.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ukraine said Russian forces launched a massive wave of drones and missiles on October 13‑14, striking 30 energy sites in 19 regions, after the United States lifted oil sanctions on Russia and limited SpaceX’s satellite navigation services, according to Al Jazeera.
What happened
On October 9, President Donald Trump invited Russian diesel sales to the global market, reversing the Lindsey Graham Act that had allowed secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil. The next day, Ukrainian officials reported that five ballistic missiles headed for Kyiv were not warned about by US partners; the missiles hit Kyiv’s Thermal Power Plant No 4, causing outages. On October 14, Russia launched 850 drones and 39 missiles, hitting 30 energy targets across 19 Ukrainian regions within 24 hours.
What the reports add
Al Jazeera noted that the US had also restricted Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s Starshield navigation service to a maximum speed of 160 km/h, limiting the ability to track interceptors. The outlet reported Zelensky’s comment that the level of “blatant disregard for the United States by Russia” was unprecedented. It also cited a Reuters photo of a daughter of a killed woman at a Kharkiv apartment‑building site damaged by a Russian jet‑drone strike.
What was said
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalist Piers Morgan, “It is a pity we are losing … a strong partner,” and added, “It’s painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side.” He also said, “This is not the right side of history.” The same report quoted Zelensky saying, “This level of blatant disregard for the United States by Russia has not been seen before.”
How it came about
The escalation follows a week of strained US‑Ukraine relations, with Trump’s sanctions changes and threats to limit intelligence sharing. Earlier this month, Ukraine warned of a shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles, and President Zelensky had sought European backing after a clash with Trump over refinery strikes, as reported in Felo’s recent coverage.
Key facts
- Russia launched 850 drones and 39 missiles over 24 hours, hitting 30 energy targets in 19 regions. (aljazeera.com)
- US President Donald Trump lifted oil sanctions on Russia on October 9, reversing the Lindsey Graham Act. (aljazeera.com)
- Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s Starshield navigation service was capped at 160 km/h, limiting interceptor tracking. (aljazeera.com)
- Five ballistic missiles struck Kyiv’s Thermal Power Plant No 4 on October 13, causing power outages. (aljazeera.com)
- President Zelensky criticised President Trump, saying the US was no longer a strong partner. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Ukraine pushes Russian forces back as US support wavers”
