At least 14 people were killed in overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine’s eastern regions, where the assault has escalated in recent days. Ukrainian emergency services reported that Russian forces targeted the town of Dobropillia in the Donetsk region on Friday night, killing 11 people and injuring 30 others. The attack caused extensive damage, including the destruction of eight five-story apartment buildings, an administrative building, and around 30 cars.
As rescue teams worked to extract people from the rubble, additional strikes occurred, further complicating recovery efforts. Dobropillia is located roughly 12 miles from the front lines, near the contested town of Porkovsk, where Russian forces have been attempting to gain control.
To the north in Kharkiv, Russian drone strikes on a civilian building in Bogodukhiv left three dead and seven injured. Meanwhile, in Odesa, a drone attack caused several fires, damaging various buildings and vehicles, including a four-story industrial facility.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, condemned the attacks, emphasizing that they showed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s disinterest in peace. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also condemned the assault, highlighting the tragic consequences of appeasing Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in response to these continued attacks, said he was working with the U.S. to accelerate peace efforts. However, as the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump signals a shift toward a more conciliatory approach to Russia, Ukraine remains committed to pursuing a constructive and secure path to peace.
The EU, meanwhile, is discussing plans to strengthen its defense capabilities, with proposals including the formation of a “Coalition of the Willing” to protect a potential ceasefire, involving countries like the UK, France, and potentially Australia.