A Ukrainian drone attack on a market in Oleshky, a town in the Russian-occupied Kherson region, killed at least seven people and wounded over 20, according to Moscow-appointed Governor Vladimir Saldo. The attack occurred during peak hours in the market and was followed by additional drones aimed at targeting survivors.
Meanwhile, a separate Russian drone strike on the southern city of Odesa resulted in two deaths and injuries to 15 others. Critical infrastructure, including homes, a supermarket, and a school, was damaged, underscoring the ongoing civilian toll in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Zelenskyy Condemns Attacks as U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Deal Sparks Strategic Implications
Further drone attacks targeted other parts of Ukraine, including Kharkiv, where a drone strike caused a fire at a petrol station in the city center. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by condemning Russia’s continued aggression, noting that Moscow had ignored both U.S. and Ukrainian ceasefire proposals for over 50 days. He emphasized Ukraine’s desire for at least a halt in attacks on civilian infrastructure, but lamented that Russia responded instead with renewed shelling and assaults.
Drone Strikes Escalate Civilian Toll as U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Pact Fuels Strategic Divide
The drone attacks came shortly after the U.S. and Ukraine finalized a significant agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. The long-anticipated deal is seen as a strategic move to secure continued U.S. support amid concerns that former President Donald Trump might reduce military aid.
Ukrainian economist Tymofiy Mylovanov praised the deal as a diplomatic success, clarifying that it imposes no repayment obligations on Ukraine and allows for open-market mineral sales, not limited to U.S. buyers.
Diverging Views Emerge Over U.S.-Ukraine Deal Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
In Kyiv, public response to the minerals deal was mixed. While some, like Diana Abramova, remained hopeful that such agreements would bring Ukraine closer to victory, others expressed skepticism. University lecturer Natalia Vysotska voiced cautious optimism, trusting Ukrainian experts had negotiated in good faith.
However, citizens like Iryna Vasylevska viewed the deal with dismay, criticizing what she perceived as Ukraine’s dependence on foreign powers and the commodification of its land in exchange for military support.
The agreement sparked criticism in Russia, though official responses were muted due to a national holiday. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, accused Ukraine of “paying” for U.S. weapons with national resources.
Similarly, Russian Civic Chamber official Vladimir Rogov denounced President Zelenskyy, claiming he had effectively surrendered the country’s sovereignty. These reactions reflect growing tensions not only on the battlefield but also in the geopolitical struggle over Ukraine’s future.
