- At least 25 killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine, with major strikes in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
- Trump halts military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, sparking European security concerns.
- Trump’s envoy set for negotiations in Saudi Arabia as Russia intensifies bombardments.
At least 25 people were killed in Ukraine as Russian airstrikes intensified, Ukrainian officials reported, showing no signs of de-escalation in the conflict.
In Donetsk Region, a missile attack on the town of Dobropillya killed at least 11 people and wounded 40, including six children. Officials said two ballistic missiles struck residential buildings and a shopping centre, followed by a second attack that deliberately targeted rescue workers. Other strikes across the country hit infrastructure and homes, with casualties reported in Kharkiv and Odesa.
The wave of attacks comes as the United States has paused military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. The move followed last week’s heated Oval Office exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump, who is positioning himself as a mediator in the war, said he was “finding it more difficult to deal with Ukraine” than Russia and suggested that negotiations with Moscow might be “easier.”
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Lagos Assembly Crisis: ‘Obasa Lacks Integrity, Should Face EFCC’ – Rhodes-Vivour
- Suspended Lagos Assembly Clerk, Onafeko, Resumes Office After Court Reinstatement
- Israeli Forces Vow Not to Withdraw from Gaza-Egypt Border Despite Ceasefire Deal
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticised the Western response, stating, “This is what happens when someone appeases barbarians. More bombs, more aggression, more victims.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its own counterattacks, with Russia’s defence ministry claiming its forces intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Trump has signaled he may impose large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia unless a ceasefire is reached, but his administration’s diplomatic overtures to Vladimir Putin have raised concerns in Europe about US support for regional security. EU leaders recently met in Brussels to discuss increasing defence spending and reaffirming their backing for Ukraine.
FURTHER READING
- Impeached Speaker, Obasa Presides Over 4-Man Plenary
- Lagos Shuts Redeemed Church, Assemblies of God, Hotels, Others Over Pollution (PHOTOS)
- FG Plans Electricity Tariff Hike for Non-Band-A Customers
Next week, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet with Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia to explore the possibility of a ceasefire.
Russia’s full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022, has led to Moscow controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
