Zelensky arrived with top aides to discuss the latest developments with Trump over lunch, a day after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a lengthy phone call to discuss the conflict.

The assault comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, where he is set to request more American -made air defences and long-range missiles. The latest barrage plunged eight Ukrainian regions into darkness, according to Ukrenergo, the national energy operator.

Throughout the war, Russian drones and missiles have repeatedly targeted railway infrastructure, mostly in regions near the front line. In March, the rail operator also endured a major cyberattack that disrupted online ticketing and other services for a week.

President Trump backed off selling Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv, opting instead for talks with Russia. Still, Ukraine’s negotiating position has strengthened since the summer.

Russia launched a large armoured assault on Thursday with more than 20 armoured vehicles near the eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropillia, Ukraine's Azov brigade said, adding that its forces had repelled the attack.

Each morning at 9 o'clock, Ukraine stops for one minute of reflection to honor those killed in Russia’s full-scale invasion

The Kremlin will negotiate only if missiles and drones bring the pain of war home to Russians, Ukrainian officials say.

Russian attacks have forced Ukraine to suspend activities at several major gas facilities this month, the state energy company said on Thursday, leaving Kyiv in need of more imports.