Conflict in Ukraine: Ukraine’s President Calls for More Sanctions as Russia Continues Bombardment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for more sanctions against Russia as overnight strikes killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more, just days ahead of talks between US and Ukrainian negotiators aimed at securing a truce.
Russia’s Military Offensives
A Russian assault hit the center of Dobropillia in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region late on Friday, killing 11 people and wounding 30, according to the emergency services. Separately, three people were killed and seven others wounded in a drone attack early on Saturday in the city of Bogodukhiv, the military head of the eastern Kharkiv region, Oleg Synegubov, said. Russia fired two missiles and 145 drones at Bogodukhiv, Ukraine’s air force said.
US Threatens New Sanctions and Tariffs
US President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia over its bombardments of Ukraine, but said it may be "easier" to work with Moscow than Kyiv on efforts to end the three-year-long war. "Such strikes show that Russia’s goals are unchanged. Therefore, it is very important to continue to do everything to protect life, strengthen our air defence, and increase sanctions against Russia," Zelensky wrote on the Telegram social media channel.
Rescue Efforts
In Dobropillia, AFP saw charred residential buildings, flattened market stalls, and evidence of cluster bomb damage. Irina Kostenko, 59, spent the night cowering in her hallway with her husband. When she left the apartment building on Saturday, she saw a neighbor "lying dead on the ground, covered with a blanket." "It was shocking, I don’t have the words to describe it," Kostenko told AFP. Zelensky said that Russia had struck Dobropillia, waited until rescuers arrived, and then "deliberately" targeted them as well. "This is a despicable and inhumane tactic of intimidation that the Russians often use," he said.
Talks on Track
US and Ukrainian negotiators are due to meet in Saudi Arabia next week with bilateral relations frayed. Trump publicly berated Zelensky during a White House meeting and suspended US aid to Kyiv in a stated bid to encourage diplomacy. "I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine and they don’t have the cards," Trump said on Friday. "It may be easier dealing with Russia." The remarks followed Trump on Friday threatening new sanctions and tariffs on Russia over its bombardments of Ukraine. "To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late," he added.
Russia’s Defense Ministry
On Saturday, Russia said it had retaken three villages in its Kursk region previously captured by Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry announced the recapture of Viktorovka, Nikolayevka, and Staraya Sorochina. Ukrainian soldiers launched an offensive in Kursk last summer but Russia has wrested back control of more than two-thirds of the territory captured by Kyiv.
EU’s Response
EU leaders, shaken by the prospect of US disengagement, agreed to boost the bloc’s defences. The latest air raids came as the European Union and the United States are set to discuss new sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine.
FAQs
Q: What happened in Dobropillia?
A: A Russian assault hit the center of Dobropillia, killing 11 people and wounding 30, according to the emergency services.
Q: What is the current situation in Ukraine?
A: The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with ongoing military offensives and air raids, and the threat of more sanctions and tariffs from the US.
Q: What is the response of the EU and the US?
A: The EU and the US have agreed to boost their defences and are discussing new sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine.
Q: What is the status of the talks between the US and Ukraine?
A: US and Ukrainian negotiators are due to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a potential truce.