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Russia Steps Up Pokrovsk Assaults as Blackouts Spread, U.S. Polices Oil Sanctions and EU Weighs Frozen-Asset Loan

Fresh sanctions enforcement plus an EU loan plan seek to curb Moscow’s cash to help Ukraine through winter.

Overview

  • Ukraine reported 135 combat engagements on October 28, including 45 Russian attacks toward Pokrovsk, where urban fighting and infiltration tactics continue.
  • Ukrenergo said strikes damaged energy sites, leaving consumers without power in several regions and forcing hourly rolling outages during daytime and evening hours.
  • A Ukrainian airborne corps spokesperson described Russian “scorched-earth” tactics around Pokrovsk aimed at destroying infrastructure and choking logistics rather than holding city blocks.
  • U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Vitaker said the White House will enforce new oil sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil to pressure Vladimir Putin toward talks.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a proposal to use cash balances from frozen Russian assets for a repayable loan to Ukraine, as President Zelensky pursues emergency power-generation equipment from Germany and Italy and Kyiv pursues accountability in the energy sector.