At least 25 people are reported dead following a new wave of Russian strikes against Ukraine, as tensions escalate further. One attack in Donetsk alone killed 11 and wounded 40, including six children; further attacks have occurred elsewhere such as Kharkiv and Odesa.
Recent Russian attacks have coincided with a suspension in U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine following an explosive exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at last week’s Oval Office meeting. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk harshly denounced this latest development by commenting, “This is what happens when one appeases barbarians.” He went further on social media by writing, “More bombs, more aggression, more victims”.
Dobropillya in Donetsk was hit hard late Friday when two ballistic missiles fired from Russia struck eight residential buildings and a shopping center, killing at least 11 people. Emergency responders were specifically targeted as Russian forces launched another strike “deliberately targeting rescuers”, according to Zelensky’s Telegram statement which underscores Russia’s longstanding goals of targeting rescuers in future attacks.
Donetsk was hit hard on Friday and Saturday by additional attacks that killed nine and wounded 13. Drone strikes in Kharkiv killed three and wounded seven; an attack against civilian and energy infrastructure in Odesa also targeted civilian and energy infrastructure on Friday; this marked a seventh attack against Odesa’s energy system within three weeks, according to DTEK energy company.
As Ukrainian forces escalate attacks against Russia, Russia reported intercepting 31 Ukrainian drones overnight. On Friday, President Donald Trump indicated it is more difficult for him to work with Ukraine than Russia when it comes to peace efforts, suggesting the U.S. may have more success dealing with Moscow than Kyiv. Additionally, Trump suggested large-scale sanctions and tariffs may be placed against Moscow until a ceasefire agreement can be reached.
Maxar reports that the U.S. has suspended both military and intelligence support to Ukraine as well as access to certain satellite imagery for Ukraine, following an extraordinary White House meeting during which Trump strongly rebuked Ukrainian Defense Minister Zelensky for acting disrespectfully towards American values. This move came following an extraordinary meeting where Trump called Zelensky out for being “disrespectful.”
Trump’s outreach to Putin has raised alarm in Europe about U.S. support for regional security. To respond, EU leaders met in Brussels Thursday to approve plans for increased defense spending and reiterate their pledge of assistance for Ukraine.
Next week, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia to explore a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Since Russia invaded in February 2022, they have controlled about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
