Russia’s overnight airstrikes have left at least 12 people dead in eastern Ukraine, just days before high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
A brutal missile attack struck the heart of Dobropillia in Donetsk late Friday, killing 11 people and injuring 30, Ukraine’s emergency service reported. Meanwhile, a separate drone assault in Bogodukhiv claimed another life and wounded seven others, according to regional military head Oleg Synegubov.
The latest wave of violence comes amid growing diplomatic tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals—threatening sweeping sanctions on Russia while suggesting it might be “easier” to negotiate with Moscow than Kyiv. His remarks have fueled uncertainty over Washington’s role in securing peace, especially after his administration temporarily withheld aid to Ukraine.
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely pounding Ukraine on the battlefield, I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a final peace agreement is reached,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday before further discussions with U.S. officials. Kyiv has continued pushing for an end to air and naval strikes on infrastructure, urging Russia to agree to a mutual ceasefire—something the Kremlin has firmly rejected.
As the war enters its third year, Russia’s defense ministry reported that its air defenses had intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones overnight, including strikes targeting the Kirishi oil refinery. Ukraine, for its part, has deployed newly acquired French Mirage fighter jets in an attempt to counter Russia’s aerial assaults.
Amid fears of U.S. disengagement, European leaders are ramping up defense efforts, while Washington signals that ceasefire talks with Kyiv are “back on track.” U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to discuss a potential truce with Ukrainian negotiators during the Saudi-hosted talks.
For now, Ukraine braces for more attacks, with energy infrastructure remaining a prime target. “Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities,” Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko stated.
With lives lost and cities in ruins, the world watches closely—will peace talks bring an end to the bloodshed, or will the conflict spiral further out of control?
