Ukraine blames Russia for committing a "war crime" after drones struck several locations in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, including a military hospital where medical staff were injured, and at least two people were killed in a residential building.
Local authorities reported the casualties, highlighting the devastating impact of the attack on both civilian and military targets in Kharkiv. The strike has left both military personnel and civilians suffering, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Zelensky condemns Russian strike on Kharkiv
On Sunday, President Zelensky, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemned Russia's recent strike on Kharkiv that claimed two lives and injured 30 others, thanking Ukrainian rescuers and medics for their efforts.
He also reported that over the past week, Ukraine has faced heavy Russian attacks, including over 1,000 drones and 1,310 aerial bombs, many of which were intercepted by Ukrainian defenses.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's commitment to providing full information to its allies, urging continued and stable support, particularly for air defense systems, to protect Ukraine from ongoing Russian aggression.
Russia must be forced into peace, says Zelensky
In a post shared on Saturday, President Zelensky condemned Russia's ongoing drone attacks, including the launch of 172 drones, over 100 of which were Shaheds, making these strikes a near-daily occurrence.
The politician emphasized that these attacks not only target Ukrainian civilians but also undermine international diplomatic efforts to end the war.
„Russia must be forced into peace - only pressure will work. For far too long, the U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table - without a proper response from Russia. That says a lot. There could already have been a ceasefire - if there had been real pressure on Russia,” emphasized Ukraine's president.
Zelensky called for a strong global response, urging the U.S., Europe, and the international community to exert pressure on Russia, highlighting the need for sanctions and effective action to force Russia into peace.
Ukraine seeks changes to U.S. resource deal, fearing impact on EU bid
Bloomberg reports that Ukraine is pushing for significant changes to a proposed resource deal with the U.S., warning on Saturday that its current terms could undermine the country’s aspirations to join the European Union.
The draft agreement, which gives the U.S. priority access to Ukraine’s natural resources and links financial aid to future profits, has faced criticism in Kyiv, with concerns that it may force Ukraine to repay U.S. military and economic support.
In talks on Friday, Ukrainian negotiators raised their objections, and while the U.S. side expressed understanding, President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that any agreement must be in line with Ukraine's constitutional goal of EU integration.
Ukraine president responds to U.S. resource agreement draft
Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the new U.S. proposal for a rare earth mineral extraction deal, calling it "completely different" from the initial framework agreement that was supposed to be signed on February 28.
The new agreement grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for continued military support but would require Ukraine to repay the U.S. for military aid before receiving any profits from the resources, a condition Zelensky stated would not be accepted if it jeopardizes Ukraine’s EU integration.
On Sunday, March 30, a memorial ceremony was held in Bucha, near Kyiv, to mark the third anniversary of the town's liberation from Russian occupation. Photo: PAP/Vladyslav Musiienko
Bucha, near Kyiv, Ukraine, March 30, 2025, marking the third anniversary of the town's liberation from Russian occupation. Photo: PAP/Vladyslav Musiienko
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Source: IAR/PAP/Bloomberg/X/@business/@ZelenskyyUa