AT least 14 people have been killed in an overnight blitz in different regions of Ukraine as Russia continues to pummel the war-torn nation.
More than 30 people were wounded, including five children in a strike in the Donetsk region as both Russians and Ukrainians marked International Women’s Day on Saturday.
EAST2WestUkrainian firefighters tackle a blaze caused by the overnight shelling[/caption]
East2WestThe aftermath of the Russian assault on Dobropillia, Donetsk region, which killed over 10 people[/caption]
East2WestThe assault on Dobropillia left at least 11 dead and wounded dozens, including children[/caption]
Vladimir Putin ignored Trump’s warning to stop ‘pounding’ UkraineAFP
Other attacks were launched in the Kharkiv region in the north-east of the country, causing more death and destruction.
Vladimir Putin‘s actions comes just hours after President Donald Trump issued a crippling threat telling him to stop “pounding” Ukraine.
Footage showed the hellish carnage in Dobropillia as the strikes destroyed eight five-story buildings, an administrative building and 30 cars.
Putin pummelled the city, which was home to around 28,000 people before the outbreak of war, with ballistic missiles, numerous rockets and drones, officials have said.
Fires raged in Dobropillia’s buildings hampering rescue efforts for people trapped in the rubble.
Ukrainian intelligence states the dead were civilians.
Preliminary reports say the Russians used an Iskander-M missile, Tornado-S MRLS, and Shahed 136 killer drones.
Governor of the region Vadym Filashkin urged remaining residents of the mining town – some 12 miles from the frontline – to flee to safer regions.
Dobropillia is geographically close to the rare metals deposits that Trump is seeking to get rights to exploit from President Volodymyr Zelensky, as Russia seeks territorial gains in the Donbas.
Yet the White House’s policies are making it harder for Ukraine to hold this territory.
A separate Russian drone strike on Kharkiv region killed three, said Oleg Sinegubov, head of the regional military administration.
At least seven others were injured in the attack that struck a meat processing plant was in Bogodukhiv.
“The death toll has risen to three. All are civilian men,” he said.
Putin also staged an attack on civilian and industrial facilities in Odesa, triggering fires.
A video showed the horrific moment a Russian drone hit a car in Odessa, a strike which the driver miraculously survived.
The onslaught came as Trump’s blocking of Ukraine receiving intelligence data triggers fears of missile strikes from Russia without warning.
Trump has also effectively grounded Ukraine’s Western-supplied long range missiles by refusing to supply key mapping data needed for targeting.
So far, Putin has shown no sign of desiring quick peace, which Trump claims the Kremlin dictator wants and needs.
Volodymyr Zelensky – who is due in Saudi Arabia on Monday where Ukraine will start talks of a peace deal with the Americans – hit out at the latest Russian aggression.
“Such strikes show that Russia’s goals are unchanged,” he said.
“It is very important to continue to do everything to protect life, strengthen our air defence, and tighten sanctions against Russia.
“Everything that helps Putin finance the war must break down.”
The President echoed the warnings issued by Trump on Friday when he threatened Putin with new sanctions if he did not cease his attacks on Ukraine.
He demanded both sides “get to the table right now” after Putin launched more attacks on Ukrainian civilians overnight on Thursday and into Friday morning.
In the latest unpredictable move from the Republican, he wrote: “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The moment a Russian drone hits a car in Odessa, with the driver miraculously survivingEast2West
East2WestFirefighters tackle blazes that erupted in Odesa overnight[/caption]