At least 11 people have been killed, and dozens more injured following a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian town of Dobropillya, Ukrainian authorities reported. The town, located northwest of the Russian-held city of Donetsk, suffered significant damage, with eight residential buildings and an administrative building hit in the late-night attack on Friday.
The Donetsk regional head, Vadym Filashkin, condemned the attack, stating on Telegram, “Russia kills civilians.” He further reported that the death toll across the Donetsk region had risen to 20 on Friday, with another 43 people wounded. These figures, however, do not include casualties in Mariupol and Volnovakha, which remain under Russian control.
Major Volodymyr Omelyan of the Armed Forces of Ukraine described the attack as “typical” for the region. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, he detailed the relentless nature of the strikes, saying, “There are daily invasion bomb strikes in the Donetsk region. Civilians are getting hurt and getting killed every day.”
Despite the ongoing destruction, Omelyan reaffirmed Ukraine’s resolve to continue fighting, stating, “There is no other option for us.” He also expressed concern over recent geopolitical developments, suggesting that Russia has been emboldened by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements about withdrawing from Europe, lifting sanctions on Russia, and cutting intelligence and military aid to Ukraine.
Further complicating Ukraine’s defense, Omelyan reacted to news that the U.S. has revoked access to satellite imagery, describing the situation as “like fighting blind.” Without satellite surveillance, Ukrainian forces struggle to track Russian troop movements and supply lines. “We don’t see what Russia is preparing to do on its territory anymore,” Omelyan explained. “It’s very difficult to see the main direction of their future attacks and supplies. You hear the noise and feel the enemy but you cannot see it.”
The situation in the Donetsk region remains dire as Ukraine braces for further attacks, while international attention focuses on the implications of shifting U.S. policies on the ongoing war. The latest escalation underscores the devastating toll of the conflict, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
