Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accused the United States of failing to provide adequate support for Ukraine as a fresh wave of Russian attacks killed at least 78 people and injured 215 others across the country in two days.
The latest deadly assault struck the eastern city of Kramatorsk on Thursday, when a Russian bomb tore through two buses, killing at least 35 people.
The attack added to the mounting civilian toll in a war that has dragged on for more than four years, with Ukrainian cities continuing to face repeated missile, drone and aerial bombardments.
Hours after the strike, Zelenskiy criticised Washington over its approach to the conflict, questioning its commitment to Ukraine while pursuing economic engagement with Moscow and attempting to mediate an end to the war. His remarks reflect growing frustration in Kyiv over what it sees as insufficient international pressure on Russia to halt its military campaign.
The situation in Kramatorsk deteriorated further later in the evening when another Russian drone attack killed two people. The additional casualties brought the reported death toll in the city to 35, underscoring the continuing danger faced by civilians even after major attacks have taken place.
The violence was not confined to eastern Ukraine. Local authorities reported that a Russian guided aerial bomb killed two people in a village in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, while another person died in the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk. The attacks highlighted the wide geographical reach of Russia’s ongoing aerial campaign.
The latest casualties came a day after a major Russian drone and missile assault hit several locations across Ukraine, killing dozens.
Among the dead were 22 people in a residential building in Pryluky, a central Ukrainian town about 130 kilometres east of Kyiv. The attack on the residential building raised fresh concerns over the safety of civilians and the vulnerability of homes and public infrastructure during the conflict.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Zelenskiy said Russian strikes had killed 78 people and wounded 215 others across Ukraine over the preceding two days.
The figures point to the devastating human cost of the latest escalation, as emergency responders continue to deal with the aftermath of attacks in multiple regions.
The Ukrainian government has repeatedly called for stronger international support to protect its population, strengthen air defences and limit Russia’s ability to launch attacks.
Zelenskiy’s latest criticism of Washington adds to the diplomatic strain surrounding efforts to end the conflict, as Ukraine seeks more decisive action from its allies while negotiations continue.
With casualties mounting and attacks reaching communities far from the front lines, the latest strikes have renewed questions over the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts and the extent to which international partners can help prevent further civilian deaths.
