Russian strikes overnight killed at least 12 people in eastern Ukraine, according to the country’s emergency services. The attacks occurred just days before crucial peace talks are set to take place in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian negotiators. The talks aim to broker a truce in the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its third year.
In the Donetsk region, a Russian assault late Friday hit the center of Dobropillia, killing 11 people and injuring 30 others. The attack caused significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure, leaving many families displaced. Separately, in the Kharkiv region, a drone attack early Saturday killed one person and wounded seven others in the city of Bogodukhiv. Kharkiv regional military head Oleg Synegubov confirmed the casualties, highlighting the escalating violence in the region.
US President Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Ukraine and Russia
The overnight air raids came amid controversial statements from US President Donald Trump, who suggested that dealing with Russia might be “easier” than negotiating with Ukraine. Trump, who has previously suspended US aid to Kyiv in an attempt to encourage diplomacy, publicly berated Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting. On Friday, Trump told reporters that he trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding, “I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the cards. It may be easier dealing with Russia.”
Trump’s remarks followed his earlier threat to impose new sanctions and tariffs on Russia over its continued bombardments of Ukraine. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.” He urged both Russia and Ukraine to “get to the table right now, before it is too late.”
US and Ukrainian Officials Push for Peace Talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha on Friday, emphasizing the need for a swift end to the conflict. According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio underscored Trump’s goal of achieving a sustainable peace and stressed that “all sides must take steps to secure a sustainable peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting is expected to pave the way for further discussions between Ukrainian and US officials on Tuesday. Zelensky expressed optimism about the talks, stating, “Ukraine is most interested in peace.” He also renewed calls for a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure, emphasizing that the first steps toward peace should involve stopping both Russian and Ukrainian aerial and naval assaults.
Russia’s Continued Aggression and Ukraine’s Defense Efforts
Despite the push for peace talks, Russia has continued its aggressive military campaign. On Saturday, Moscow’s defense ministry reported that its air defense systems had destroyed 31 Ukrainian drones overnight, most of which were intercepted over the Krasnodar Krai region. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery, damaging one of its reservoirs. Leningrad governor Aleksandr Drozdenko confirmed the incident, stating that air defense forces had shot down one drone on approach and another over the facility.
In the Belgorod district near the Ukrainian border, a civilian was wounded in a separate drone attack, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. These incidents highlight the ongoing tit-for-tat strikes between the two nations, which have intensified in recent weeks.
Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Under Siege
Russia’s latest strikes have also targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread damage and disruption. The Ukrainian air force reported deploying French Mirage fighter jets, delivered last month, to repel the aerial onslaught. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, confirmed that its facilities in the Black Sea region of Odesa had been targeted for the fourth consecutive night. The company’s gas facilities in the central Poltava region also ceased operations after being struck in the overnight attack.
State gas company Naftogaz reported damage to its production facilities, further straining Ukraine’s energy supply. Energy Minister German Galushchenko accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy and gas production facilities to “hurt ordinary Ukrainians.” The attacks have left many regions without power, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country.
International Response and EU Defense Boost
The latest air raids have drawn condemnation from the international community, with EU leaders expressing concern over the escalating violence. Shaken by the prospect of US disengagement, EU leaders have agreed to boost the bloc’s defenses and provide additional support to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that talks with Kyiv were back on track to secure a ceasefire with Moscow. Witkoff stated that he would discuss an “initial ceasefire” and a “framework” for a longer-term agreement with Ukrainian negotiators during the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia.
The Road Ahead
As the conflict continues to devastate eastern Ukraine, the upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution. However, with both sides entrenched in their positions and violence escalating, achieving a lasting ceasefire remains a daunting challenge. The international community’s role in mediating the conflict and providing humanitarian aid will be critical in the weeks and months ahead.
For now, the people of Ukraine remain caught in the crossfire, enduring the devastating consequences of a war that shows no signs of abating. The world watches closely as leaders from the US, Ukraine, and Russia prepare to sit down at the negotiating table, hoping for a breakthrough that could bring an end to the bloodshed.
