Russian Airstrikes Intensify as U.S. Cuts Intelligence Support for Ukraine
Russian airstrikes in Ukraine have killed at least 20, coinciding with U.S. halting intelligence sharing with Kyiv. The military situation in Ukraine remains dire, exacerbated by recent attacks on civilians and infrastructure. President Zelenskyy calls for sanctions against Russia while advocating for peace negotiations amidst escalating hostilities.
Recent Russian airstrikes on Ukraine resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to officials. These attacks continued for a second night, coinciding with the U.S.’s decision to halt intelligence sharing with Kyiv, which is crucial for Ukraine’s defense and offensive operations against Russian forces.
On Friday night, strikes on the Donetsk region killed 11 people, severely damaging eight apartment blocks in Dobropillya. Regional Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that emergency services faced additional danger as a Russian drone attacked a fire truck deployed to assist in the rescue efforts.
Further fatalities occurred in towns along the front lines, with six people confirmed dead in Pokrovsk, Kostyantynivka, Myrnograd, and Ivanopillya, along with three in a civilian workshop in the Kharkiv region. Governor Filashkin declared a regional day of mourning, anticipating more casualties among the debris.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that at least five children were injured in Dobropillya, condemning the Russian strikes as deliberate attacks on rescuers as they arrived to help. He criticized these actions as vile intimidation tactics regularly employed by Russian forces.
These ongoing assaults followed a significant strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which further cripples the country’s ability to provide essential services to its citizens and maintain its defense capabilities.
The U.S. government recently suspended military and intelligence support to exert pressure on Ukraine for a potential peace agreement backed by the Trump administration. President Trump suggested that this pause allowed Russia to exploit the situation militarily.
Zelenskyy did not comment on the intelligence suspension but stressed the importance of broader financial sanctions against Russia, stating, “Everything that helps Putin finance the war must be broken.” He expressed optimism about new sanctions and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to seeking peace.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s air force reported that overnight, Russia launched three Iskander missiles and 145 drones across Ukraine, utilizing a mix of attack and decoy drones. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted one missile and 79 drones, while also losing 54 drones without resulting damage. In contrast, Russia’s defense forces claimed to have shot down 31 Ukrainian drones during the same timeframe, leading to a fire at a Russian oil refinery due to falling debris.
The recent escalation in airstrikes and cessation of U.S. intelligence sharing has intensified the conflict in Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties and damage to infrastructure. President Zelenskyy’s call for sanctions against Russia and persistent appeals for peace indicate Ukraine’s ongoing struggle amidst these challenges. The dynamics surrounding military support and diplomatic negotiations remain critical as both nations navigate this conflict.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
