Latest Russian Strikes Claim 25 Lives in Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict

Ukrainian officials report that Russian strikes over the weekend have killed at least 25 people, with the Donetsk region being the hardest hit. The escalation follows a pause in U.S. military aid amid diplomatic tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

At least 25 people have reportedly died in Ukraine as a result of the latest barrage of Russian missile strikes, as officials warn that the conflict shows no signs of abating. Over the weekend, an attack in the Donetsk Region resulted in at least 11 fatalities and around 40 injuries, including six children, according to local authorities. Significant damage was also inflicted on civilian infrastructure across other regions, such as Kharkiv and Odesa.

The latest escalation in Russian attacks comes in the wake of a controversial pause in military assistance and intelligence-sharing from the United States, which followed a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the situation, stating, “This is what happens when someone appeases barbarians,” before lamenting the increase in bombings, aggression, and civilian casualties.

The most lethal strikes occurred on Friday in the town of Dobropillya, where two ballistic missiles targeted eight residential buildings and a shopping center, resulting in the substantial loss of life. Emergency services responding to the initial strikes were subsequently targeted in a follow-up attack, a move described by Zelensky as indicative of Russia’s unchanged military objectives.

In addition to the attacks in Donetsk, attacks in the Kharkiv Region resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries, following drone strikes over the weekend. Meanwhile, ongoing attacks on Odesa's energy infrastructure have left the region vulnerable, marking the seventh assault within three weeks as reported by DTEK energy company.

As Ukrainian forces continue their operations against Russia, the Russian defense ministry claimed to have intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones overnight. Amid these developments, Trump indicated a preference for negotiating with Russia over Ukraine, declaring difficulties in dealing with the Kyiv administration. He also suggested the possibility of imposing significant sanctions on Russia until a ceasefire is achieved.

The U.S. recently restricted Ukraine's access to certain satellite imagery, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict. This decision followed a contentious meeting at the White House, where Trump criticized Zelensky for perceived disrespect towards the United States.