An overnight Russian missile strike shook the central Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk, knocking out electricity for hundreds of residents in the Poltava region, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Regional leaders condemned the attack, saying it highlighted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to pursue peace.
The strike comes as U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, where Trump pledged that the United States would guarantee Ukraine’s security in any eventual deal to end Russia’s war.
“America stands ready to support Ukraine in securing a just and lasting peace,” Trump said during the summit, adding that U.S. involvement would be “central to ensuring Russia cannot undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty again.”
Zelenskyy welcomed the pledge, emphasizing that Ukraine needs not just weapons but long-term security assurances.
“Our people are resilient, but stability will only come when Ukraine is fully protected against future aggression,” he said.
The Kremlin has not commented directly on Trump’s remarks, but Russian officials continue to argue that Ukraine’s partnership with the United States escalates rather than resolves the conflict.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Kremenchuk has repeatedly been targeted due to its industrial facilities and energy infrastructure.
Analysts say the latest strike underscores Russia’s strategy of crippling Ukraine’s power grid ahead of the winter months.
Meanwhile, European allies have echoed Trump’s comments, with NATO leaders reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s security. he EU has also announced fresh humanitarian aid for Poltava residents left without electricity.