Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for increased sanctions against Russia following overnight strikes that killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more, just days before US and Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet to discuss a potential truce.
A Russian assault struck the center of Dobropillia in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region late Friday, killing 11 people and injuring 30, according to emergency services. Separately, three people were killed and seven others wounded in a drone attack early Saturday in the city of Bogodukhiv, reported Oleg Synegubov, the military head of the eastern Kharkiv region. Ukraine’s air force stated that Russia launched two missiles and 145 drones at Bogodukhiv.
These overnight air raids followed US President Donald Trump’s threat of new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, though he also suggested that working with Moscow might be “easier” than with Kyiv in efforts to end the three-year-long war.
“These strikes show that Russia’s goals remain unchanged,” Zelensky wrote on the Telegram social media platform. “It is crucial to continue protecting lives, strengthening our air defenses, and increasing sanctions against Russia.”
In Dobropillia, AFP observed charred residential buildings, destroyed market stalls, and signs of cluster bomb damage.
Zelensky also claimed that Russia had deliberately targeted rescuers who arrived after the initial strike.
