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The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with recent airstrikes causing significant casualties. Ukrainian authorities reported that at least 11 people were killed, and dozens were injured in a Russian missile strike on Dobropillya, a town northwest of Russian-occupied Donetsk city.
The attack damaged eight residential buildings and an administrative building.
Additionally, Ukraine’s regional prosecutors stated that Russian troops attacked multiple residential areas in Donetsk, killing five people and injuring nine others. Areas affected include Kostyantynivka, Pokrovsk, Lyman, Velyka Novosilka, and Dobropillia. Among the victims, an 89-year-old man was killed in his home, while four other men lost their lives in separate villages. The casualties resulted from aerial bombings and missile strikes.
Russia’s Overnight Attack Using Dummy Drones
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched a large-scale attack overnight using two ballistic Iskander missiles, one cruise missile, and 145 drones, including Shahed attack UAVs and dummy drones. These dummy drones were likely intended to mislead Ukrainian air defenses. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 79 drones and the cruise missile using fighter jets and mobile fire units.
The week has seen Russia intensifying its aerial attacks on Ukraine, coinciding with the temporary halt of U.S. intelligence sharing with Kyiv. The suspension of satellite imagery access has significantly impacted Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Ukraine Faces Challenges Without U.S. Intelligence Support
Major Volodymyr Omelyan of the Ukrainian Armed Forces spoke about the challenges Ukraine now faces due to the lack of U.S. intelligence support. According to him, losing access to satellite imagery means Ukrainian forces are now "fighting blind."
"We don’t see what Russia is preparing on its territory anymore," Omelyan told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It’s very difficult to predict the direction of their future attacks. You hear the noise and feel the enemy, but you cannot see it."
The U.S. decision to pause military intelligence sharing comes amidst statements from former President Donald Trump indicating a shift in America's stance on the war. Trump recently stated that he finds it "more difficult" to deal with Ukraine than Russia, adding that Moscow is "bombing the hell" out of Ukraine.
Diplomatic Tensions and Global Reactions
The past week has been marked by intense diplomatic exchanges regarding the war in Ukraine. A highly anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump ended in disagreement, with Trump accusing Zelensky of being "disrespectful" to the U.S. Over the following days, European and Canadian leaders gathered to discuss military aid for Ukraine, with the European Union considering a joint €150 billion loan to support Kyiv.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Zelensky in London, reinforcing the UK's commitment to aiding Ukraine. Additionally, Ukraine has received its first set of funds from the UK, secured by profits from frozen Russian assets, to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Russia’s Retaliation Against the UK
Following the UK's decision to transfer funds from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of Russia’s State Duma, suggested that Russia could retaliate by confiscating British assets within its borders.
"England’s transfer of Russian-owned funds to Ukraine is a gross violation of international law," Volodin said. "They will have to return to Russia what they are now so generously handing out."
He further stated that this move would damage trust in the British financial system and hinted at Russia’s potential response by seizing British-owned properties in Russia.
Upcoming Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia
Despite the escalating violence, diplomatic efforts continue. The U.S. and Ukraine have announced an upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss potential pathways to ending the war. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that intense discussions with Trump’s team are ongoing to find a solution to the crisis.
"We are preparing a meeting to accelerate peace and strengthen the foundations of security," Zelensky said. "Ukraine is fully committed to a constructive approach."
In addition to these discussions, France has proposed a one-month truce to allow for negotiations. However, the feasibility of such a proposal remains uncertain given Russia’s continued aggression.
Conclusion
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters another week of intensified conflict, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence. While diplomatic talks are ongoing, the situation remains volatile. With military aid from the U.S. temporarily paused, Ukraine faces increasing challenges in defending itself. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether international diplomacy can push for a peaceful resolution or if the war will further escalate.
