Zelensky: Russia unchanged goals, 11 dead in eastern Ukraine

Zelensky: Russia unchanged goals, 11 dead in eastern Ukraine

Russian rockets killed 11 people in the East Ukrainian city of Dobropillia overnight, as the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj announced on Saturday. He emphasized that such attacks "prove that the goals of Russia have not changed".

Current situation in the Ukraine conflict

The attacks occur at a critical time in the Ukraine War, since the United States have hired military help and the exchange of intelligence information with Kiev. This is part of the efforts to urge Ukraine to agree to a peace agreement. This decision made Ukraine even more susceptible to Russian attacks.

international reactions to the attacks

On Friday, US President Donald Trump threatened Russia with sanctions to force an armistice. He expressed that his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin did "what everyone would do" to take advantage of the current dynamics on the battlefield.

consequences of the attacks

In addition to the fatalities, more than 30 more people were injured, including five children. The authorities reported that other people may be included under the ruins because at least eight residential buildings in the area were damaged by the attacks.

strategic measures for defense

The Ukrainian President described the attacks as "a ramble and inhumane tactic of intimidation that the Russians often use." He underlined the need to do everything to protect life, strengthen air defense and increase sanctions against Russia. "Everything Putin helps finance the war has to be broken," added Selenskyj.

future discussions and international relationships

Selenskyj announced that he would come together in Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman next week for talks about the negotiations between Kiev and Washington. After this meeting, his team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with the American partners.

further attacks in the region

Local officials reported on Saturday that Russian attacks have killed at least 23 people in the east and south of Ukraine in the past 24 hours and wounded over 50. In addition to the victims in Dobropillia, Russian attacks in other places in Donetsk demanded nine other fatalities and 13 injured, according to the local authorities.

drone attacks and air defense

The Ukrainian emergency services announced that a drone attack in the eastern region of Kharkiw killed three people and injured seven, while five people were injured in the attacks on the South Ukrainian region of Cherson. The Ukrainian Air Force indicated that they shot 79 out of 145 drones overnight, while 54 drones did not reach their destination. At least three rockets were also used in the attacks, at least one of which could be shot down.

The attacks were made just a few days after a deadly Russian air raid on Krywyj Rih, the hometown of Selenskyj.