AT least 11 people have been killed in an overnight blitz in the Dontesk region of Ukraine as Russia continues to pummel the war-torn nation.
More than 30 people were wounded, including five children in the strike as both Russians and Ukrainians on Saturday marked International Women’s Day.
Vladimir Putin’s actions comes just hours after President Donald Trump warned 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.
Another nine people were killed across Donetsk region, in Pokrovsk, Konstantinopol, Yablunivka, Konstantinovka, Myrnograd and Ivanopillya, as well as Dobropillia.
A total of 42 were wounded in the region, said the administration of Ukrainian controlled territory.
Fires raged in Dobropillia’s buildings hampering rescue efforts for people trapped in the rubble.
Ukrainian reports saying 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.
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.”
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