A night of devastating Russian strikes has claimed the lives of at least 12 people in eastern Ukraine, casting a grim shadow over upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia. Hobnob News reports on the escalating violence and the delicate diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a resolution to the protracted conflict.
The Ukrainian emergency service confirmed that a Russian assault on the center of Dobropillia in the Donetsk region late Friday resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to 30 others. Separately, a drone attack in Bogodukhiv, Kharkiv region, claimed another life and wounded seven.
These overnight air raids occurred amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and mixed signals from international players. Former US President Donald Trump, while threatening new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, also expressed a preference for dealing with Moscow over Kyiv, stating that it “may be easier.” He had previously berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and suspended US aid to Kyiv.
However, Trump’s more recent statements included a strong condemnation of Russia’s bombardments and a call for immediate ceasefire negotiations. “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 Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump declared.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also engaged in discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, emphasizing the importance of a “sustainable peace.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia for crucial talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Following these discussions, Ukrainian officials will engage in further talks with their US counterparts in the same location. “Ukraine is most interested in peace,” Zelensky reiterated.
Zelensky has also renewed his calls for a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure, proposing that this should be the first step towards establishing genuine peace.
On the ground, the situation remains volatile. Russia’s defense ministry reported destroying 31 Ukrainian drones, while a Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery, causing damage. A civilian was also wounded in a drone attack in the Belgorod district.
Russia confirmed carrying out “precision” strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, with DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, reporting significant damage to its facilities in the Odesa and Poltava regions. Ukraine’s energy minister, German Galushchenko, accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.
Despite the ongoing violence, efforts to secure a ceasefire remain underway. US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to discuss an “initial ceasefire” and a “framework” for a longer agreement with Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia.
The international community is watching closely as these delicate negotiations unfold, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring an end to the devastating conflict. Hobnob News will continue to provide updates on this critical situation.
