President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries for rising fuel prices ahead of the November 3, 2026 U.S. midterm elections

An ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine that was sparked with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022, resulting in widespread casualties, displacement and significant geopolitical consequences for Europe and the world.

Federal and state elections held midway through a presidential term that determine control of Congress and shape the political direction of the country.