Russian military strikes have intensified in recent months, causing widespread damage to Ukraine's infrastructure and economy. These attacks have disrupted critical sectors, including agriculture and metallurgy, and have made the coming winter particularly challenging for the country. Ukrainian officials are warning of a "very difficult" winter, with potential economic consequences that could reduce the nation's GDP by 1.5 percentage points by 2026. The ongoing conflict has also strained Ukraine's ability to maintain its infrastructure, with estimates suggesting that losses from Russian attacks could reach $10 billion in 2026. A key factor contributing to Ukraine's economic struggles is the blockage of cereal exports through the Black Sea, a vital source of revenue. Russian missile and drone attacks have made it increasingly difficult for Ukraine to maintain these export routes, further compounding the financial strain. These strikes have also targeted important industrial and logistical hubs, including railways, warehouses, and metallurgical companies. The damage to these sectors not only disrupts the flow of goods but also weakens Ukraine’s ability to generate income and support its military operations. During the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum in Kyiv, Prime Minister Serhiy Kehysty described the current economic situation as the most challenging Ukraine has faced. The Minister of Economy, Oleksandr Krawchenko, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the high cost of infrastructure damage caused by Russian attacks. Roksolana Pidlassa, president of the budget committee in the Ukrainian parliament, noted that Russia is deliberately targeting revenue-generating sectors, including the critical cereal export routes, maritime ports, and steel plants. This strategy has had a severe impact on Ukraine's ability to sustain its economy and military. The conflict has also taken a human toll, with ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine’s largest steel plant, reporting two employees killed in a recent Russian missile strike. In response to continued attacks, Ukraine has increased its military actions against Russian territory, targeting refineries and logistics warehouses. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that former U.S. President Donald Trump, if re-elected, will use diplomatic pressure to push Russia to unblock Black Sea ports and halt strikes on energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military spending has risen sharply, with the cost of a single "day of war" reaching $190 million in 2024. To meet these growing expenses, Ukraine has begun using international aid for the first time this year to pay soldiers’ salaries.