Russia and Ukraine intensify strikes before US-backed talks

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Officials said Russian attacks targeted four Ukrainian electrical substations, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the European Union had agreed to activate an emergency mechanism to accelerate funding for power-grid repairs. Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian oil refinery as both sides exchanged long-range attacks on the eve of talks expected in Abu Dhabi. The timing makes the escalation especially significant: damage to energy infrastructure could affect millions of civilians as winter approaches, while the strikes risk undermining efforts to establish a negotiating track.

Sources: Just Security, Associated Press, UN News