by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Russian attacks have killed at least ten people and injured dozens across Ukraine over the weekend, while strikes on energy facilities have left more than a million people facing power outages. The violence comes amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over American satellite technology and President Donald J. Trump’s decision to suspend new sanctions against Russia.
As Ukraine prepares for another winter of war, Russian missiles and drones are again devastating civilian areas and essential infrastructure.
Among the victims were residents of Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, and the Dnipropetrovsk region. Shopping centers were also struck, while emergency crews worked to restore electricity following widespread blackouts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the situation has been made worse by restrictions affecting satellite communications provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
He says speed limitations have prevented Ukrainian interceptor drones from reaching some fast-moving Russian targets, raising concerns about Ukraine’s ability to protect civilians from aerial attacks.
SATELITE DISPUTE
However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Washington had deliberately disrupted the service and suggested that it was operating again.
“No one at the White House ordered anyone to slow down internet or slow down speed so that certain drones couldn’t use it,” Rubio told reporters.
“But my understanding is it’s back up and running,” he added.
The disagreement highlights Ukraine’s dependence on American technology for military communications and drone operations, even as Kyiv remains concerned about Washington’s approach to economic pressure on Moscow.
SANCTIONS DELAYED
President Trump has suspended sweeping new sanctions against Russia, arguing that their wider economic consequences require further examination.
Rubio said the measures would also affect countries purchasing Russian energy, including India.
“The problem is these sanctions were not just sanctions on Russia,” Rubio explained. “They include tariffs on a number of countries — India, for example, and others.”
Trump wants 60 days to assess the impact of the measures, a period extending beyond America’s November midterm elections, as he faces political pressure over high energy prices.
WINTER WORRIES
For Ukraine, the uncertainty comes as Russian forces continue attacking civilian areas and energy infrastructure, threatening further disruption to electricity and heating supplies.
The attacks have renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy network as temperatures begin to fall.
With the war approaching its fifth year, Ukrainian authorities face the challenge of maintaining essential services while defending the country against continuing Russian bombardments.
The diplomatic disagreements with Washington add another layer of uncertainty as millions of Ukrainians prepare for another difficult winter.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
