Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made an urgent plea for advanced American air defence technology as Russian forces intensify a devastating bombardment campaign aimed at crippling the nation's power grid.
An Urgent Call for Air Defence
In a direct appeal to the United States, President Zelensky has expressed a wish to order 25 Patriot air defence systems. He has further suggested that European nations which already possess these systems should consider donating them to Ukraine to help counter the relentless aerial assaults. This request comes in the wake of continued Russian missile and drone attacks, which are specifically targeting energy infrastructure to plunge Ukrainian civilians into darkness as winter approaches.
Russia's Shifting Attack Strategy
The effectiveness of Russian attacks has increased significantly, according to reports from Monday, 10 November 2025. Instead of focusing on the central grid, Russian forces are now overwhelming Ukraine's stretched air defences by targeting local substations. This tactical shift is causing widespread blackouts and poses a severe threat to the population's survival during the cold months. Meanwhile, on the ground, a fierce battle for control is raging in the eastern Donetsk region, specifically in Pokrovsk, where Russia has amassed a force of 170,000 troops, with expectations of intensified attacks in the area.
The International Response and Strained Defences
The international landscape of support for Ukraine appears to be shifting. While NATO continues to coordinate large weapons packages, the stance of the United States has changed. Unlike the previous Biden administration, the current Trump administration is not providing arms to Ukraine. This creates a critical gap in Ukraine's defensive capabilities at a time when Russian pressure is mounting on multiple fronts, both through aerial barrages and a significant ground offensive.
