At least 12 people were killed overnight in eastern Ukraine as Russian forces launched devastating air raids ahead of crucial ceasefire discussions between the United States and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine’s emergency service confirmed that a Russian assault struck the center of Dobropillia in the Donetsk region late Friday, killing 11 people and wounding 30 others.
In a separate attack, a drone strike in the city of Bogodukhiv killed one person and injured seven, according to Oleg Synegubov, the military head of the Kharkiv region.
The latest wave of Russian airstrikes comes as US President Donald Trump toughens his rhetoric on Russia, threatening fresh sanctions and tariffs.
However, in an unexpected shift, he also suggested that it might be easier to negotiate peace with Moscow than with Kyiv.
Trump’s Stance on Ukraine and Russia
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump expressed frustration over dealings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying, “I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the cards. It may be easier dealing with Russia.”
His remarks followed an earlier statement on his Truth Social platform, where he warned of “large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”
Despite his stern warning, Trump urged both Russia and Ukraine to return to negotiations immediately, stating, “Get to the table right now, before it is too late.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced Washington’s commitment to ending the war through diplomatic means. In a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Rubio emphasized that “all sides must take steps to secure a sustainable peace.”
Zelensky to Meet Saudi Crown Prince Ahead of Ceasefire Talks
Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key player in international mediation efforts.
His visit comes just a day before Ukrainian and US officials are expected to engage in fresh negotiations in the kingdom.
“Ukraine is most interested in peace,” Zelensky stated, adding that his team will remain in Saudi Arabia for continued discussions with US partners.
Earlier on Friday, Zelensky called for an immediate mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure as a preliminary step toward achieving a lasting peace. However, the Kremlin has consistently dismissed the possibility of a temporary ceasefire, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Escalation of Aerial Strikes and Energy Targeting
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the battlefield remains highly volatile. Moscow’s defense ministry confirmed today that it had executed “precision strikes” on Ukrainian energy facilities, continuing its systematic targeting of the country’s infrastructure.
Ukraine’s air force deployed recently acquired French Mirage fighter jets for the first time to counter Russia’s large-scale missile and drone attacks. Despite their efforts, key energy assets were heavily damaged:
- DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, reported that its Black Sea region facilities in Odesa were targeted for a fourth consecutive night.
- The state-owned Naftogaz said multiple production facilities suffered damage, forcing a shutdown of operations in central Poltava.
- German Galushchenko, Ukraine’s energy minister, condemned the strikes, stating that Russia was trying to “hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities.”
Meanwhile, Russia also reported Ukrainian drone attacks. Moscow’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones overnight, with most downed over Krasnodar Krai. In Leningrad, Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko confirmed that two drones targeted the Kirishi oil refinery, causing damage to one of its storage tanks. Additionally, in Belgorod, a civilian was wounded in another drone attack near the Ukrainian border.
Shifting Geopolitical Landscape and EU Response
The latest developments have left European leaders increasingly concerned about potential US disengagement from the conflict. In response, the European Union has vowed to strengthen its defenses and take a more proactive role in supporting Ukraine.
Despite tensions between Trump and Zelensky over US military aid, Washington has confirmed that ceasefire talks with Kyiv remain on track. US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia to discuss an “initial ceasefire” and explore a “framework for a longer-term peace agreement.”
With no immediate breakthrough in sight, the war in Ukraine remains a focal point of global diplomacy. As both sides prepare for crucial negotiations in Saudi Arabia, the success or failure of these talks could significantly impact the trajectory of the ongoing conflict.
