Russian Strikes Intensify in Kyiv; Energy Crisis Looms

Kyiv faced a five-hour aerial assault on September 26, as Russian missiles and drones targeted the city, injuring at least two people and damaging various civilian infrastructures, including a nursery and cars. This attack is part of a broader military campaign that has severely impacted Ukraine's energy grid, which has lost approximately 70% of its generation capacity, leading to energy crises as winter approaches. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden to discuss continued military support, as air defense systems are urgently needed. The frequency of drone attacks has become a grim routine for residents, with air raid alerts recorded at an alarming rate since the war began in February 2022. Despite the Ukrainian air force's efforts to intercept the assault, significant destruction occurred, including in regions like Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, where multiple casualties were reported. Meanwhile, US officials express concerns about the clarity of Zelensky's strategic plans for countering Russian aggression.