KYIV, Ukraine — Russian missile and drone attacks struck cities across Ukraine early Wednesday, killing at least six people and cutting power to large parts of the country, officials said.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ukraine’s emergency services confirmed that two children were among the dead and at least 17 others were injured in the overnight assault. The barrage hit residential areas and critical energy facilities, causing widespread blackouts in multiple regions.

“Emergency power outages have been introduced in most regions of Ukraine,” the national energy operator said in a statement. Officials described the damage to power plants and grid stations as “significant” and warned that repairs could take several days.

In Kyiv, debris from downed drones set a high-rise apartment building on fire, forcing rescuers to evacuate at least 10 residents. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two people were killed in the city, while four more died in nearby regions.

The Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions also reported strikes on oil and gas facilities, injuring more than a dozen people. Authorities said engineers were working to restore electricity, but drone activity continued to slow repair efforts.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the latest wave of attacks, saying it showed Moscow had no interest in peace. “Another night proving that Russia does not feel enough pressure for dragging out the war,” he said on social media. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, called for stronger international action, saying the current response “remains insufficient.”

The strikes came hours after a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest was postponed indefinitely. The cancellation, analysts said, signaled a further setback for diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict.

Ukraine’s energy ministry said the attacks were aimed directly at its energy infrastructure as part of what it called a continuing Russian campaign to weaken the country ahead of winter. Widespread power cuts were reported in Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and eastern regions near the front lines.

In the northern Chernihiv region, authorities confirmed a full blackout after several grid facilities were hit. Utility workers were unable to reach damaged sites due to ongoing drone strikes. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, said one of its southern facilities sustained “heavy damage.”

For many Ukrainians, the timing of the strikes is alarming as colder temperatures set in. The loss of electricity and heating raises fears of a humanitarian crisis similar to last winter, when millions were left without power for days.

Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent months, often launching combined missile and drone assaults during the night. Western officials say the strategy appears intended to undermine civilian morale and pressure Kyiv to negotiate on Moscow’s terms.

Ukraine has asked its Western allies for more advanced air defense systems to protect its cities and energy grid. However, with international attention divided and diplomatic talks stalled, officials fear more attacks in the coming weeks.

As emergency crews race to restore electricity, the government has urged citizens to conserve power and prepare for possible long-term outages. “The situation is difficult but under control,” an energy ministry spokesperson said. “We will restore w

BERLIN — Germany said Wednesday it will cover the October salaries of about 11,000 local employees who work at U.S. military bases in the country after the U.S. government shutdown put their pay at risk.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The decision, announced by the German Finance Ministry, ensures that civilian staff — mostly Germans — will continue to receive their wages on time even as the U.S. federal budget remains stalled in Washington.

“The measure guarantees that our local employees will not be financially affected by the budget dispute in the United States,” a ministry spokeswoman said. The government described the move as an “unscheduled expenditure” and said it expects to be reimbursed once U.S. funding resumes.

The affected workers are employed in various roles at U.S. military installations across Germany, including logistics, fire safety, catering, and maintenance. Many are based at major sites such as Ramstein Air Base, one of the largest U.S. military facilities in Europe.

Germany’s largest public service union, ver.di, had earlier warned that up to 12,000 civilian workers could face delayed pay because of the shutdown. The union urged Berlin to step in, saying the U.S. government appeared unwilling to guarantee wages despite obligations under German labor law.

“Interrupting pay due to political disputes is not acceptable under German law,” said ver.di Deputy Chair Christine Behle. “These workers perform vital duties and deserve job security.”

This is not the first time a U.S. government shutdown has raised concerns about civilian staff overseas, but in past cases, payments continued without interruption. The German Finance Ministry said it remains unclear how long the current shutdown will last or whether the U.S. will be able to make up the delayed salaries quickly.

The United States employs tens of thousands of local civilians at bases worldwide, including about 35,000 in Europe. In Germany, the U.S. military presence remains strategically important, serving as a hub for operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Ramstein Air Base, in particular, plays a central role in logistics and transport.

Germany’s decision highlights both the practical and symbolic importance of the U.S.-German defense partnership. Analysts say the move underlines Berlin’s commitment to maintaining stability at U.S. bases and supporting the livelihoods of local workers who depend on them.

“This is a responsible and pragmatic step,” said defense analyst Michael Staack of Helmut Schmidt University. “It shows Germany’s willingness to protect its citizens from the fallout of political gridlock in Washington while keeping the U.S. presence in Germany functioning smoothly.”

The shutdown in the United States began after lawmakers failed to agree on a new federal spending plan, halting many nonessential government operations and freezing pay for thousands of civilian employees. The situation has caused ripple effects not only in the U.S. but also among allied nations that host American facilities.

Germany’s interim payments will cover the full amount of the workers’ salaries for October. Once the U.S. government approves a new budget, the American side is expected to reimburse Berlin for the expense.

For now, the move provides reassurance to thousands of German families who rely on their paychecks from U.S. bases. It also avoids potential legal issues, since under German labor law, employers are required to pay workers even if the funding source temporarily collapses.

As Washington struggles to end the shutdown, German officials say they will continue monitoring the situation. If the impasse drags on, further financial measures may be needed to keep local operations running without disruption.

For the employees at Ramstein, Stuttgart, and other U.S. installations across Germany, the decision means one less worry in a time of political uncertainty — their next paycheck is secure.

Construction has officially started on a new ballroom at the White House, a project personally funded by President Donald Trump. The ballroom, planned for the East Wing, is set to be one of the largest additions to the presidential residence in modern history.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Trump announced the project Monday, saying, “You’re gonna see a ballroom the likes of which will never be topped! Just started today. That’s good luck!” His remarks came as workers began removing sections of the East Wing façade to prepare the site for construction.

According to the White House, the project will be entirely privately financed, with Trump and several donors covering the estimated $200 million to $250 million cost. Officials said no taxpayer money will be used.

The new ballroom will reportedly cover about 90,000 square feet and accommodate between 650 and 1,000 guests. It will serve as a venue for state dinners, official ceremonies, and large gatherings—functions that currently require temporary structures on the White House grounds.

“This will be a magnificent addition to the people’s house,” White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said in a statement. “President Trump is a builder at heart. This ballroom will preserve history while creating a space future presidents can use for generations.”

Federal Review and Preservation Concerns

The project began even though several federal design and preservation reviews are still pending. The National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees major changes to federal landmarks, has yet to give full approval for the East Wing demolition.

Preservationists have criticized the move, warning that the project could alter the historical integrity of the White House. The Society of Architectural Historians issued a statement urging the administration to “pause construction until a thorough preservation review is completed.”

The East Wing, added in 1942, serves as office space for the First Lady and other staff. Construction is expected to temporarily displace some employees and restrict access to parts of the grounds.

Background on the Project

Trump first proposed adding a permanent ballroom to the White House earlier this year, arguing that past administrations relied on temporary tents for large events. “For more than 150 years, there’s been no proper ballroom at the White House,” he said in July. “It’s about time.”

Designs by McCrery Architects call for a neoclassical structure that blends with existing architecture. Construction will be handled by Clark Construction, with AECOM providing engineering support. Work is expected to continue through much of Trump’s current term, with completion projected before January 2029.

Mixed Public Reaction

Supporters have praised Trump’s decision to pay for the project privately, saying it spares taxpayers and modernizes the presidential complex. Critics, however, call it a vanity project that distracts from pressing national issues.

“This is about legacy and image, not necessity,” said one congressional Democrat who requested anonymity. “There are better ways to use private money than adding luxury to the White House.”

White House officials rejected that criticism, noting that the ballroom will serve future administrations and provide space for cultural and diplomatic events. “It’s not about Trump,” Meadows said. “It’s about the presidency.”

What Happens Next

Construction crews will continue site preparation through the end of the year before foundation work begins early next spring. The White House has not released architectural renderings or detailed blueprints to the public, but officials promised “full transparency” once permits are finalized.

The new ballroom will mark the most significant structural addition to the White House since the Truman renovation of the 1950s. For now, scaffolding and construction equipment line the East Wing lawn—a visible sign that one of America’s most famous buildings is once again under renovation.

Completion is expected by late 2028.