• Russia executed a significant missile and drone attack targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing injuries and damage.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure amid rising tensions.
• The timing of the attack coincides with the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns about air defense capabilities.
• Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted many of the incoming missiles and drones using newly acquired French Mirage fighter jets.

In a dramatic escalation, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, as reported on various news platforms including HuffPost and ABC News. This comes just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new phase of discussions with the United States regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia, particularly in light of the recent withdrawal of US military support and intelligence sharing.

Ukrainian officials reported that this latest attack involved the launch of at least 67 missiles and nearly 200 drones, targeting critical energy facilities across the nation, from Kharkiv in the east to Ternopil in the west. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko described the assault as an attempt to instill fear among the populace, emphasizing that "Russia continues its energy terror". Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals, including a child, were injured during these strikes, highlighting the devastating impact on civilian life as fires blazed across several cities.

The attack appears to be one of the most significant since the suspension of US military assistance on account of political tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for peace talks with Moscow, a stance that has raised alarm in Kyiv regarding the potential weakening of Ukraine's air defense systems. According to Reuters, with fewer resources to intercept aerial threats, Ukraine may face increasing vulnerability in the coming days and weeks.

In response to the escalating situation, President Zelenskyy has reiterated his call for an air and sea truce in light of the recent attacks. His proposal has received some support from global leaders, notably Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who indicated a willingness to mediate discussions and bolster defenses as tensions rise. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force stated that it successfully intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones during the assault, utilizing newly supplied French Mirage-2000 fighters alongside existing F-16s to bolster its defense capabilities. This shows Ukraine's ongoing adaptability and reliance on international support in the face of mounting aggression.

The ramifications of these attacks, coupled with the recent U.S. military aid suspension, could have profound implications for the future of Ukraine as it continues to grapple with Russian advances and seek stable grounds for negotiations.

For additional information and ongoing updates, please refer to the coverage by CBS News.