Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has expressed gratitude to the nation’s allies for their support following a series of devastating Russian strikes that resulted in one of the deadliest days for Ukrainian civilians this year. Describing the attacks as a "vile and inhumane intimidation tactic," Zelenskyy condemned the actions of Russia, which included heavy aerial assaults that left at least 22 people dead, with many more injured.
The attacks occurred overnight into Saturday, primarily targeting the frontline town of Dobropilla in the eastern Donetsk region. Here, 11 individuals lost their lives when Russia fired ballistic missiles into the town center, followed by strikes aimed at rescuers responding to the initial devastation. In total, 47 people were reported injured, including seven children.
Zelenskyy characterized the assault as one of the most brutal to date, noting the deliberate targeting of residential buildings, a shopping center, and other civilian structures. He emphasized that such strikes are calculated to maximize harm and instill fear among the population.
In a broader context, the situation has been complicated by geopolitical tensions. The U.S. has recently paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine, prompting concerns that Russia may be exploiting this lull to intensify its attacks. Former President Donald Trump had previously warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease the bombardment of Ukraine, but it appears that this warning has gone unheeded.
Adding to Ukraine’s challenges, American aerospace firm Maxar Technologies announced it had disabled access to its satellite imagery for Kyiv. This restriction significantly hampers Ukraine’s ability to monitor Russian movements and defend itself effectively.
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has reported that these recent attacks are among the deadliest for civilians this year. Zelenskyy has called for continued international support and coordination to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and work towards peace.
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy plans to visit Saudi Arabia next week to discuss proposals aimed at ending the conflict. He is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and engage with U.S. officials during this trip.
Zelenskyy remains hopeful for a united front against Russian aggression, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity in the face of such brutality.