Zelenskyy urges support for US sanctions on Russia after Trump pauses them
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters Saturday to defend new U.S. sanctions against Russia after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing the sweeping restrictions, raising fears Ukraine could face Moscow's assaults without support as winter approaches. Zelenskyy called the pause unfortunate but avoided direct criticism of Trump, expressing hope the sanctions could be revived. He also reported a massive Russian strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, targeting over 15 sites, with Ukraine's air force intercepting all four cruise missiles and 289 of 332 attack drones. Russia's bombardment of the power grid ahead of winter is an annual tactic to wear down Ukrainian resistance by denying civilians heat and water. Ukrainian officials warned Russia is stockpiling ballistic missiles for further attacks in the coming months.