At least 25 people died in Russia’s latest shelling of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government reported. The intensified attacks, particularly in the Donetsk region, killed at least 11 people and wounded 40 others, including six children.
Russian shelling has intensified in the past few days, when Washington declared an end to military support and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. This followed tense negotiations a week ago between Washington and the country’s former President Donald Trump and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Russia’s latest attack as “This is what happens when someone appeases those who do evil.” “More bombs, more war, more victims,” he said.
The increased conflict has also hit cities such as Kharkiv and Odesa. A missile strike on Friday in the city of Dobropillya, Donetsk region, killed 11 people after two ballistic missiles struck residential apartments and a shopping center, Ukrainian officials reported.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has also continued to launch counterattacks against Russia. The Ukrainian defense ministry reported that its troops had downed 31 Russian drones that were fired overnight.
Trump’s latest words on Ukraine have triggered concern across Europe. He suggested that it might be “easier” to negotiate with Russia than with Kyiv, saying, “The U.S. is doing well with Russia. It could be easier to deal with Moscow than with Ukraine.”
Leaders of the European Union have since gathered in Brussels to discuss increasing defense spending and reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine.
Russia invaded Ukraine on a full scale in February of 2022 and currently controls about 20% of Ukraine. With war ongoing indefinitely, there is no sign on the horizon of any ceasefire in the near future.