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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — On Saturday night, Russia intensified its aerial strikes on Ukraine for the second consecutive night, following the United States’ decision to halt sharing satellite imagery with Ukrainian forces. Official reports indicate that the coordinated attacks have resulted in at least 22 fatalities.
The suspension of intelligence and military assistance from the U.S. followed a contentious meeting last week between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump, who has been applying pressure on Ukraine to consider a peace agreement with Russia.
The withdrawal of U.S. satellite intelligence has crucially reduced Ukraine’s capacity to conduct effective strikes within Russian territory and to shield itself from ongoing attacks, which has raised significant concerns for military analysts.
The implications of intelligence sharing
Stay updated with comprehensive coverage on the ongoing conflict.
“This is the result of appeasing aggressors,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed on X, condemning the escalation of violence. He noted, “More bombs, more aggression, more victims. Another tragic night in Ukraine.”
Reports from the eastern Donetsk region reveal that at least 11 individuals lost their lives due to multiple missile strikes on a town, with additional casualties reported across four nearby towns where Russian forces have gained ground. In the northeastern Kharkiv region, a civilian workshop was struck by a Russian drone, resulting in three fatalities from that attack.
Governor Vadym Filashkin of Donetsk announced a day of mourning and cautioned that more victims might still be trapped under debris.
According to Zelenskyy, Russian forces targeted the town of Dobropillya with two ballistic missiles and subsequently attacked rescuers who arrived to assist. This ruthless strategy led to injuries for 47 individuals, seven of whom were children.
“This is a cowardly form of intimidation that Russia routinely employs,” Zelenskyy stated.
Just prior to these devastating attacks, Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with an onslaught of missiles and drones, further crippling Ukraine’s capacity to provide essential services, including heating and lighting, to its populace.
Trump’s Take: Russia’s Strategic Moves
When questioned on Friday whether President Putin was capitalizing on the U.S.’s pause in intelligence-sharing to launch strikes, Trump responded, “I think he’s doing what anybody else would.”
While Zelenskyy did not comment explicitly on intelligence-sharing during recent statements, he acknowledged Trump’s recent proposals aimed at imposing extensive financial sanctions on Russia until peace is achieved.
“All resources that enable Putin to sustain the war must be targeted,” the president emphasized.
Additionally, Zelenskyy announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia later this week to discuss strategies for resolving the conflict, including a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, high-ranking Ukrainian officials will remain in Saudi Arabia to engage with American representatives only.
“Ukraine has sought peace from the outset of this conflict,” he stated. “Pragmatic proposals are available. The priority is to act swiftly and efficiently.”
A substantial wave of missile and drone attacks
In a report from the air force, it was disclosed that Russian forces launched three Iskander missiles coupled with 145 drones against Ukraine overnight. This assault included both attack and decoy drones intended to mislead air defense systems. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted one missile and 79 drones, while 54 additional drones were lost without causing any damage.
In retaliation, Russian forces reported shooting down 31 Ukrainian drones overnight, predominantly over the Krasnodar region of Russia.
Incidents were reported in Russia where debris from a downed drone ignited a fire at the KINEF oil refinery in the northern Leningrad region, but there were no reported injuries.
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Recent clarifications include noting that Tusk is the Prime Minister, not President, of Poland, and outlining details related to Zelenskyy’s forthcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia.
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For ongoing coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, visit https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
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