At least 25 people have died in Ukraine in the latest wave of Russian strikes, Ukrainian officials say, as the conflict shows no sign of easing.
One attack on Donetsk Region killed at least 11 people and wounded 40, including six children, local officials said on Saturday. Homes and infrastructure were hit in other regions, including Kharkiv and Odesa.
In recent days, Russian assaults have escalated, coinciding with the United States’ decision to halt military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. The recent developments come from last week’s intense Oval Office confrontation between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.
After the latest Russian strikes, Polish PM Donald Tusk said: “This is what happens when someone appeases barbarians.”
“More bombs, more aggression, more victims,” he added in a social media post.
Late on Friday, the town of Dobropillya in the Donetsk Region experienced the most lethal strikes to date. At least 11 people were killed when two ballistic missiles hit eight residential buildings and a shopping centre, officials said.
Following the arrival of emergency services, Russia executed another strike that was “deliberately targeting the rescuers,” according to a statement from Zelensky on Telegram. “These strikes indicate that Russia’s objectives remain consistent,” he stated.
Other attacks in the region killed nine people and wounded 13 on Friday and Saturday, local officials said.
Drones struck a company in Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv Region, killing three people and injuring seven early on Saturday, regional head Oleh Synyehubov reported.
On Friday, a drone strike targeted civilian and energy infrastructure in Odesa, according to the regional head. DTEK energy company reported, “This marks the seventh attack on the region’s energy system in just three weeks.”
In the latest developments, Ukraine has maintained its offensive against Russia, with the Russian defence ministry reporting that its forces successfully intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones during the night.
On Friday, Trump remarked that he was encountering more significant challenges in addressing the situation in Ukraine compared to Russia as he seeks to facilitate peace between the two countries.
The United States is reportedly “doing very well with Russia,” and it may be “easier dealing with” Moscow than with Kyiv, according to statements made to reporters.
Hours earlier, Trump had said he was “strongly considering” large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire with Ukraine was reached.
Space technology company Maxar said on Friday that the US has suspended Ukraine’s access to some satellite imagery in addition to halting military and intelligence help.
The decision was made precisely one week after the remarkable confrontation at the White House, during which Trump criticised Zelensky for allegedly being “disrespectful” to the United States.
Concerns are mounting across Europe regarding the Trump administration’s approach to relations with Putin, as many fear that the continent may be unable to depend on US support for its security needs.
On Thursday, European Union leaders convened in Brussels to endorse a strategy to increase defence expenditures and reaffirm the bloc’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Next week, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia to discuss the potential for a ceasefire with Russia.
In February 2022, Russia initiated a comprehensive invasion, resulting in its control of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
