Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia kills 12, including 3 children

Twelve people, including three children, were killed in a Russian attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Saturday, Reuters reported. The strike came just one day after US President Donald Trump announced a deal to lift sanctions on Russian diesel, marking a major setback for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the White House, saying: "Today, Russia thanked the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia."

According to Reuters, the shelling is part of a series of strikes that have caused heavy casualties across Ukraine in recent weeks. Around 80 civilians were killed in Russian attacks over two days last week.

Zelensky said, "Last night was yet another confirmation that Russia sees any easing of pressure as a signal that it can continue fighting and keep bombing cities. We need different signals."

Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports comes as his administration seeks to curb soaring fuel prices amid the ongoing US conflict with Iran.

Kyiv had instead urged Washington to increase pressure on Moscow to force it into serious negotiations to end the four-and-a-half-year war.

At the same time, Trump criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, saying they have driven up global prices. Kyiv has called for a complete halt to all attacks on energy facilities by both sides, as Moscow continues to target Ukraine’s power grid.

The latest strikes followed talks on Friday between Ukrainian and European officials and US negotiators, aimed at preparing a joint proposal to end the war, according to a source familiar with the discussions.