Air Force: Ukraine downs 3 missiles, 9 drones overnight

Zelensky has appealed to Washington repeatedly, making the case for additional Patriot missiles as Russia intensifies strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

Earlier, residents had little warning before the missiles struck. The explosions were simultaneous with the blaring of air raid sirens, according to Kyiv Independent journalists on the ground.

"The trend this year continues," Zelensky said, "Since the start of fall, our warriors have liberated more territory than the Russians have managed to capture. The same was true at other points this year."

Trump appointee Scott Bessent insisted that no sanctions against Russia had been lifted — they had merely been waived.

"His country is in shambles, a large portion of his land is lost, his oceans and seas are gone, and his male population is low, wounded, and/or dead."

"We are very thankful for this... Now it works," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

A flying object, likely a drone, entered Lithuanian airspace and exploded on Oct. 18, sending residents to shelters and damaging a civilian vehicle, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said.

According to the president, the U.S. and Ukraine are in "constant communication" and are preparing their "next steps in diplomacy."

St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed the attack, reporting fires at the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, the Ruchyi oil depot, and industrial warehouses in the Kolpinsky District.

The attackers attempted to set fire to satellite antennas and a control unit, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said.

Russian strikes hit 20 locations, while falling debris was reported at four other sites.

"Tens of thousands of families are without power," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.