Russian Attack on Kharkiv Hospital Amid Aid Decline
KYIV, Ukraine – As military assistance from Europe diminishes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is preparing to ask U.S. President Donald Trump for Tomahawk missiles. In the meantime, Russian forces have launched significant glide bombs and drones in a nighttime offensive on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The attack targeted a hospital, injuring seven people and prompting the evacuation of 50 patients, according to regional director Ole Sinyevov.
Zelenskiy mentioned that the primary aim of these strikes was an energy facility but refrained from sharing specifics about what exactly was hit.
“Every day and every night, Russia attacks power plants, power lines, and our gas facilities,” Zelenskiy stated on Telegram.
Russia’s ongoing long-range assaults on Ukraine’s power grid have intensified since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This strategy appears aimed at crippling Ukraine’s electricity supply, particularly during the severe winter months, depriving civilians of heating and water.
In light of these developments, Zelenskiy has called on other nations to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, as the country struggles to protect its vast territory from air attacks.
“We are counting on action from the United States, Europe, G7, and all our partners who possess these systems to help safeguard our people,” he implored. “The world must push Moscow to come to a genuine negotiating table.”
Despite this appeal, recent data indicates a significant drop in foreign military aid to Ukraine. The Kiel Institute in Germany reported a 43% decline in military assistance during July and August compared to earlier in the year.
This reduction follows the establishment of a fund aimed at pooling contributions from NATO members (excluding the U.S.) to acquire American military equipment for Ukraine, named the Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
Even so, aid levels during the first half of 2025 were higher than the total received between 2022 and 2024, as noted by the institute.
Zelenskiy is expected to meet President Trump in Washington on Friday, with discussions likely focusing on the possibility of the U.S. supplying advanced long-range weaponry to aid Ukraine against Russian forces.
Trump has warned that the U.S. might send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, a move that could escalate tensions between the U.S. and Russia, especially since such assistance was previously considered too provocative.
However, it could serve as leverage to push for negotiations, as Trump has expressed frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to compromise on key issues in peace talks.
The Tomahawk missile would be the longest-range weapon in Ukraine’s arsenal, with the capability to strike targets deep within Russia, potentially reaching Moscow. Unlike previously used drones, Tomahawks carry heavier warheads and fly lower, making them harder to intercept.
Ukrainian officials and foreign military analysts suggest that Ukraine’s long-range attacks have already impacted Russian oil production. Zelenskiy noted that newly developed long-range missiles and drones are contributing to a significant gas shortage in Russia.
