Russia struck Ukraine's Donetsk region on Friday, killing at least 11 people and injuring 30 people, according to Ukrainian officials.
“Last night, Russian troops fired two ballistic missiles in the heart of Dubropilla in the Donetsk region. After our services arrived on the scene, they deliberately targeted rescuers and launched another strike. A sleazy and inhumane tactic for the threats that Russians often rely on,” Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky wrote. Saturday's post With a telegram.
“Unfortunately, 11 have died so far. Meaning my sad dol to their family and friends. Over 30 people have been injured, including five children,” he added.
On Friday, Trump raised Russian sanctions to bring Eastern European countries to the negotiation table to end the war with Ukraine.
“Currently, based on the fact that Russia is absolutely “pounding” in Ukraine on the battlefield, I am strongly considering tariffs and tariffs on Russia until we reach a major bank sanctions, sanctions and tariffs on Russia and a final settlement agreement on peace.”
“We'll reach the table in Russia and Ukraine right now before it's too late,” he added.
The Kremlin attack also comes just days after Trump cancelled his US intelligence news sharing with Ukraine, limiting his ability to detect incoming missiles with satellite drones following a fierce exchange with Zelensky last Friday. The administration has also suspended US military aid.
Zelensky said Friday's attacks showed Russia still fully involved in war efforts despite talk of peace.
“Such strikes show that Russia's goals remain the same. Therefore, it is very important to continue doing everything in order to protect lives, strengthen air defenses and strengthen sanctions against Russia,” he wrote in the Telegram Post.
“Everything that helps [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's fiscal war has to collapse,” he added.
Republicans urged Trump to re-engage in intelligence news sharing. They say Ukraine's lack of combat capabilities is weakening the country's leverage in talks with Russia. However, the president argued that in his oval office on Friday he felt “it is more difficult to deal with Ukraine” than Russia.
“I think he is him [Putin] I want to stop it and calm it down. I think he's hitting them harder than he's hitting them. I think that's probably what everyone in that position is doing that now.”
“Despite the rumors of Russia, Russia and Russia, I have always had good relationships with Putin. He wants to end the war, the president added.
Trump promoted a letter from Zelensky on Tuesday, clearly indicating the country's intentions surrounding its relationship with leaders after its release, but has not addressed whether the US will revive intelligence trade-offs or military support.
The US leader is expected to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia this week to resume peace talks and discuss the future of the mineral trade that was supposed to be signed last Friday.
