At least 12 people were killed in overnight Russian airstrikes on eastern Ukraine, according to the country’s emergency service. The strikes come just days before crucial peace talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
A Russian assault targeted the center of Dobropillia, Donetsk region, late Friday, leaving 11 dead and 30 injured, authorities confirmed. Separately, a drone attack in Bogodukhiv, Kharkiv region, killed one person and wounded seven others, said Oleg Synegubov, head of Kharkiv’s military administration.
Escalating Tensions Amid Diplomatic Talks
The latest Ukraine-Russia conflict escalation follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on diplomatic efforts. Trump, who suspended U.S. aid to Kyiv, suggested that negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin might be “easier” than working with Ukraine.
“I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the cards,” Trump said. “It may be easier dealing with Russia.”
Earlier on Friday, Trump had also warned of new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, citing its intensified bombardments. He posted on Truth Social, stating, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the conflict with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, emphasizing the need for “all sides to take steps toward securing a sustainable peace,” according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Zelensky’s Diplomatic Push
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, ahead of further U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Riyadh.
“Ukraine is most interested in peace,” Zelensky stated, reiterating Kyiv’s calls for a halt to air and naval attacks on critical infrastructure.
Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Under Fire
Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow intensified attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, DTEK, confirmed that its power facilities in Odesa had been targeted for a fourth consecutive night.
State-run Naftogaz reported damage to its gas production facilities, while Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko accused Russia of attempting to “hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities.”
In retaliation, Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery, damaging external structures, according to Leningrad Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko. Additionally, Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have destroyed 31 Ukrainian drones over Krasnodar Krai.
Peace Talks: A Path Forward?
Despite rising tensions, Washington insists that ceasefire talks with Ukraine remain on track. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed discussions in Saudi Arabia would focus on an “initial ceasefire” and a framework for a longer-term agreement.
While EU leaders have pledged to strengthen defenses amid concerns of U.S. disengagement, the international community remains divided on the next steps for securing peace in Ukraine.
As both sides continue to intensify military operations, the world watches closely to see whether diplomacy can bring an end to the three-year war.