Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for intensified sanctions against Russia following a series of overnight attacks that left at least 14 people dead and dozens injured. The strikes come just days before crucial talks between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia aimed at brokering a truce in the ongoing conflict, now in its third year.
Late Friday, a Russian assault pummeled the center of Dobropillia in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, killing 11 and wounding 30, according to Ukraine’s emergency services. Hours later, in the early morning of Saturday, a drone attack on Bogodukhiv in the Kharkiv region claimed three lives and injured seven others, regional military head Oleg Synegubov reported. Ukraine’s air force confirmed that Russia launched two missiles and an unprecedented 145 drones targeting Bogodukhiv during the assault.
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In a Telegram post, Zelensky condemned the attacks, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting rescuers in Dobropillia after the initial strike. “This is a despicable and inhumane tactic of intimidation that the Russians often use,” he wrote. “Such strikes show that Russia’s goals are unchanged. Therefore, it is very important to continue to do everything to protect life, strengthen our air defense, and increase sanctions against Russia.”
The violence follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of new sanctions and tariffs on Russia over its continued bombardment of Ukraine. However, Trump also suggested that negotiating with Moscow might prove “easier” than working with Kyiv to end the war. “I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine and they don’t have the cards,” Trump said Friday, urging both nations to “get to the table right now, before it is too late.”
Escalating Tensions Ahead of Saudi Talks
The deadly strikes coincide with strained U.S.-Ukraine relations as negotiators prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia next week. Trump recently suspended U.S. aid to Kyiv and publicly criticized Zelensky during a White House meeting, signaling a push for diplomacy over military support. Zelensky is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday for discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by bilateral talks with U.S. officials on Tuesday.
On the ground, Russia claimed progress in its counteroffensive, announcing Saturday that it had recaptured three villages—Viktorovka, Nikolayevka, and Staraya Sorochina—in the Kursk region, an area Ukraine seized during an offensive last summer. Moscow’s defense ministry also reported downing 31 Ukrainian drones overnight and thwarting a Ukrainian drone attack on the Kirishi oil refinery in Leningrad, though falling debris damaged a reservoir’s external structure.
Scenes of Devastation in Dobropillia
In Dobropillia, the aftermath of the attack was stark. AFP journalists documented charred residential buildings, obliterated market stalls, and evidence of cluster bomb impacts. Resident Irina Kostenko, 59, recounted a harrowing night spent hiding in her hallway with her husband. Emerging Saturday morning, she discovered a neighbor’s body lying lifeless on the ground, covered by a blanket. “It was shocking,” she said. “I don’t have the words to describe it.”
As the war grinds on, Zelensky’s plea for bolstered air defenses and international pressure underscores Ukraine’s precarious position, with both military and diplomatic challenges looming large in the days ahead.
Key Points:
- Deadly Overnight Attacks: Russian strikes killed at least 14 people and injured dozens across Ukraine, with 11 deaths and 30 injuries in Dobropillia (Donetsk region) and 3 deaths and 7 injuries in Bogodukhiv (Kharkiv region) from a drone attack involving 145 drones and two missiles.
- Zelensky’s Call for Action: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded increased sanctions on Russia, stronger air defenses, and protection for civilians, accusing Russia of targeting rescuers in a “despicable and inhumane” tactic.
- U.S.-Ukraine Talks Looming: The strikes occurred days before U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential truce, with Zelensky arriving Monday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by bilateral discussions Tuesday.
- Trump’s Stance: U.S. President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia but suggested negotiating with Moscow might be easier than with Kyiv, suspending U.S. aid to Ukraine to push for diplomacy.
- Russian Military Gains: Russia recaptured three villages—Viktorovka, Nikolayevka, and Staraya Sorochina—in the Kursk region and reported downing 31 Ukrainian drones, while a Ukrainian drone attack damaged a reservoir at the Kirishi oil refinery.
- Devastation on the Ground: In Dobropillia, scenes of charred buildings, destroyed markets, and cluster bomb damage emerged, with residents like Irina Kostenko witnessing neighbors’ deaths firsthand.
