Credited from: LATIMES
Russian strikes have intensified, with a recent attack on a penal colony in the Zaporizhzhia region resulting in at least 17 deaths and over 90 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack targeted the Bilenkivska Correctional Colony with guided bombs, emphasizing the ongoing toll on civilians amid the ongoing violence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned these acts as "war crimes," stating that the strikes were a clear violation of international laws protecting civilian infrastructure, such as prisons, from military actions, as reported by SCMP and AA.
In another major incident, a drone and missile barrage on Kyiv killed at least six people, including a six-year-old boy, and injured at least 52 others. This attack targeted multiple locations within the city, significantly damaging residential buildings, schools, and hospitals. President Zelensky characterized these strikes as "deliberate" and "intentional," asserting that the Russian military could not have been unaware of the civilian implications of their actions, citing reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reacted to these developments by issuing a 10-day ultimatum for Russia to show progress towards ending the conflict, signaling a potential escalation of U.S. sanctions if the deadline is not met. He emphasized that the situation has become desperate and military action was causing unnecessary civilian suffering, as reported by sources including The Hill and LA Times.
As the crises unfold, Ukrainian officials alongside international leaders continue to call for increased pressure on Russia to cease its military operations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the recent strikes, portraying them as evidence of the Kremlin’s disregard for human life. Furthermore, analysts suggest that a unified international response is crucial to deter further Russian aggressions, referencing commentary from ABC News and BBC.