In a tragic turn of events, Ukraine reported that eight civilians lost their lives due to Russian drone and bombing attacks in the war-torn Donetsk region, located in the eastern part of the country.
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According to prosecutors, five civilians were tragically killed during drone strikes on private vehicles in the town of Rodynske. Just ten minutes later, three more individuals died in Kostiantynivka, a town currently under increasing pressure from Russian forces. As President Volodymyr Zelensky poignantly stated, “Every lost life is a reminder of the urgent need for peace.”
Simultaneously, Russia launched one of the most extensive missile and drone attacks witnessed in over three years of conflict, claiming to have targeted an airfield in a region close to the EU and NATO member country, Poland. This unprecedented strike comes on the heels of U.S. former President Donald Trump’s assertion that he would enhance arms deliveries to Ukraine, while also criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements regarding Ukraine as “bulls**t.”
As rescue workers sift through the debris in Kostiantynivka, regional officials reported that one civilian was killed in the Khmelnytsky region during the latest wave of strikes. The attack exceeded a previous record held by Russia, which involved 550 drones and missiles last week, showcasing a concerning escalation in hostilities.
Reports from the air force indicated that Russia unleashed an assault involving 728 drones and 13 missiles, with Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepting 711 drones and neutralizing seven missiles. As President Zelensky remarked, “This is a telling attack—coming precisely when numerous efforts have been made towards achieving peace, and yet it is only Russia that continues to reject those endeavors.”
During his visit to Rome for meetings with the pontiff and Italy’s president, Zelensky urged allies to intensify sanctions against Russia, particularly aimed at its energy sector, an essential source of revenue for the Russian war effort.
The discussions between President Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV focused on the pressing necessity for a “just and lasting peace.” The Vatican affirmed its commitment to helping Ukraine recover thousands of children allegedly taken to Russia. Both parties revisited the idea of the Vatican facilitating peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, an initiative that Russia dismissed back in May.
After his meeting with the pope, Mr. Zelensky was scheduled to speak with Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, who was also attending the Ukraine Recovery Conference. This gathering aims to gather support, including private investments, for rebuilding Ukraine amidst a backdrop of intensified Russian attacks.
“During our discussion, we reaffirmed the importance of dialogue as the key to ending hostilities,” the Vatican stated in its recap. Furthermore, Pope Leo expressed his sorrow for the victims and reiterated prayers and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. He encouraged all efforts seeking the release of prisoners and collaborative solutions.
After the talks, Zelensky expressed gratitude towards the Vatican for its support in the quest to retrieve Ukrainian children, adding in English, “We want peace… we look to the Vatican and His Holiness to assist us in finding a venue for a high-level meeting of leaders to bring an end to this war.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
