Russian strikes overnight killed at least 12 people in eastern Ukraine, according to the country’s emergency service. The attacks occurred just days before talks between US and Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia, aimed at achieving a truce.
Attack on Dobropillia
A Russian assault hit the center of Dobropillia in Ukraine’s Donetsk region late Friday, killing 11 people and wounding 30. Separately, one person was killed and seven others wounded in a drone attack in the city of Bogodukhiv.
US President Trump’s Remarks
US President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia but expressed that it may be “easier” to work with Moscow than Kyiv to end the three-year war. Trump publicly berated Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting and suspended US aid to Kyiv.
“I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the cards,” Trump said. “It may be easier dealing with Russia.”
Trump’s Warning
Trump warned Russia of potential sanctions and tariffs in a statement on his Truth Social platform: “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 ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached.”
US Secretary of State’s Call
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on the phone, emphasizing the need for “all sides to take steps to secure a sustainable peace.”
Zelensky’s Upcoming Talks
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia on Monday, followed by talks with US officials on Tuesday. Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s interest in peace, saying, “Ukraine is most interested in peace.”
Renewed Calls for Ceasefire
Zelensky renewed calls for a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure, following the recent Russian barrage. The Ukrainian leader proposed stopping both Russian and Ukrainian aerial and naval attacks as the first step towards establishing real peace.
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