Russian Strikes Kill 20 in Ukraine as US Halts Intelligence Sharing/Newslooks / WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least 20 people were killed in Ukraine as Russian forces launched another wave of missile and drone strikes, officials said Saturday. The attacks came just days after the US suspended military aid and intelligence sharing, a move that significantly weakens Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, calling them a deliberate attempt to target civilians and rescue workers. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump suggested Putin was acting rationally and floated the idea of new sanctions on Russia.
Ukraine Under Fire: Quick Look
- Casualties and Damage
- 20 dead, 40+ injured in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.
- Ukrainian fire trucks and rescue workers targeted in secondary strikes.
- Zelenskyy Responds
- Says Russia is using ballistic missiles to intimidate and terrorize civilians.
- Welcomes Trump’s proposal for banking sanctions against Russia.
- US Military and Intelligence Freeze
- Trump administration halts satellite imagery sharing with Ukraine.
- Ukrainian air force struggling against Russian missile and drone attacks.
- Russia’s Perspective
- Putin’s forces down 31 Ukrainian drones in response to overnight strikes.
- Fire at Russian oil refinery caused by falling drone debris.
Russian Strikes Kill 20 in Ukraine as US Halts Intelligence Sharing
Deep Look: US Cuts Intelligence Support as Russia Escalates Strikes
Deadly Russian Strikes Target Civilians and Rescue Workers
The heaviest casualties occurred in Dobropillya, a town near the front lines, where eight apartment buildings were destroyed in a missile attack. Regional Governor Vadym Filashkin confirmed that 11 people were killed and warned that more bodies could still be found in the rubble.
“Last night, the Russian army fired two ballistic missiles at the center of Dobropillya,” Zelenskyy said.
“After emergency services arrived at the scene, they launched another strike, deliberately targeting rescuers.”
This tactic of striking first responders, often referred to as “double-tap” attacks, has been a recurring strategy in Russian assaults on Ukraine.
US Cuts Intelligence Sharing, Weakening Ukraine’s Defenses
The latest escalation comes just days after the Trump administration suspended intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, further complicating Kyiv’s ability to defend itself.
The US had previously provided critical satellite imagery and battlefield intelligence, helping Ukrainian forces track Russian troop movements and target enemy positions. The sudden halt leaves Ukraine more vulnerable to surprise attacks and could impact its ability to strike inside Russia.
“I think he’s doing what anybody else would.”
Trump has previously expressed skepticism about continued US support for Ukraine, pushing instead for a negotiated settlement. The US decision to cut military aid is seen as a pressure tactic to force Kyiv to the negotiating table.
Zelenskyy’s Appeal: Calls for More Sanctions on Russia
Although Zelenskyy did not directly address the intelligence freeze, he did respond to Trump’s remarks about potential new banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia.
“Everything that helps Putin finance the war must be broken,” Zelenskyy said in a social media post.
The Ukrainian president has been increasingly vocal about the need for tougher economic measures against Russia, warning that Moscow’s continued ability to sell oil and other commodities funds its military campaign.
Ukraine and Russia Exchange Drone Strikes
As Ukraine struggled to fend off Russia’s aerial attacks, its own forces launched drone strikes targeting Russian infrastructure.
- Ukraine’s air force reported:
- 145 Russian drones launched overnight – Ukraine shot down 79.
- Three Russian Iskander missiles fired – one intercepted.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry reported:
- 31 Ukrainian drones downed, with 26 intercepted over the Krasnodar region.
- Drone debris caused a fire at the KINEF oil refinery in northern Russia.
Despite limited access to intelligence support from the US, Ukraine is continuing its counteroffensive, targeting Russian energy infrastructure in retaliation.
What’s Next? Ukraine Braces for More Strikes
With US intelligence aid suspended and Russia escalating attacks, Ukraine now faces a critical moment in the war.
- Without satellite imagery, Ukrainian forces will struggle to pinpoint Russian missile sites and troop movements.
- Zelenskyy is pushing European allies for increased support, including additional sanctions on Russia.
- Trump’s stance remains unclear – while he threatens sanctions, he also expressed sympathy for Putin’s actions.
The coming weeks will test Ukraine’s resilience as it faces one of its toughest battles yet – without its most powerful ally fully behind it.
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