Russia Escalates Drone Warfare Against Ukraine, Ignoring Trumps Ceasefire Demands

Updated to include the airstrike on Dobropillia.

Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian airstrike in the main square of the frontline town of Dobropillia on Wednesday resulted in one fatality and over 20 injuries, with additional casualties potentially trapped beneath the rubble.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Russian military initiated a new series of aerial assaults on Ukraine, disregarding calls from U.S. President Trump for Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.

As stated by regional authorities, a 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) bomb was dropped on Dobropillia, located merely 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the combat zone.

This attack occurred shortly after President Trump’s warning to impose further sanctions unless Russian President Vladimir Putin consented to a peace agreement within the next 50 days.

It has been over a month since Ukrainian and Russian officials last engaged in direct peace negotiations, with no additional meetings planned despite the Kremlin’s assertions of willingness to negotiate.

According to Ukraine’s air force, at least 400 drones were deployed by Russia overnight, alongside an Iskander missile launched from annexed Crimea.

The attacks claimed one life and left numerous others injured in addition to those affected in Dobropillia, as reported by Ukrainian authorities.

In Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a missile strike caused power and water outages, officials indicated.

Kryvyi Rih’s Mayor, Oleksandr Vilkul, mentioned that at least 15 individuals were injured, including a 17-year-old boy who sustained serious abdominal injuries and was hospitalized. An industrial facility was demolished, leading to disruptions in utilities.

“This is unprecedented. A ballistic missile and 28 Shahed drones launched simultaneously,” Vilkul noted on Telegram, referring to the Iranian-designed drones employed by Russia.

Russia has escalated its summer offensive amid stalled ceasefire discussions, maintaining its military operations on the battlefield while executing coordinated drone, artillery, and missile strikes.

On Monday, Trump announced that he had reached an agreement with NATO’s secretary-general to enhance U.S. air defense support and weaponry for Ukraine, expressing frustration over Russia’s reluctance to agree to a ceasefire.