Joanna Kikisis

These demands give Russia far more than was discussed in earlier rounds of negotiations.

Writing on social media, Zelensky's office confirmed receiving a, quote, draft plan that, according to the American side, could activate diplomacy, but did not comment on the details of the plan.

Joanna Kekisis, NPR News.

NPR spoke to four Ukrainian brigades whose soldiers are defending the eastern city of Pokrovsk, a city which Russian attacks have largely destroyed.

Small groups of Russian troops have infiltrated the city, leading to intense street battles.

Volodymyr Polovyi is with Ukraine's 7th Rapid Response Corps.

Russia is also using an elite drone unit called Rubicon, which hunts down Ukrainian drone operators.

Joanna Kekises, NPR News, Kyiv.

Ukraine's state-owned electricity generating company, Centronego, said that the Russian attacks had reduced capacity to, quote, zero at thermal power plants.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sibycha said that Russian drones also targeted two nuclear power substations deep in western Ukraine.

Every fall, Russia steps up attacks on Ukraine's power and heating grid.

to force a harsh winter on Ukrainian cities.

Many Ukrainians have adapted by using backup energy storage devices and generators in their homes and businesses.

This year, Ukraine has attacked Russian oil depots and refineries to weaken what it calls Russia's war machine.

Joanna Kekisis, NPR News, Kyiv.