Russian Bombs Kill 20 In Ukraine – Russia launched a fresh aerial attack against the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Saturday, October 10. The strike killed at least 20 people, including three children, and came only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a controversial new agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
The attack, which utilized Russian glide bombs, destroyed parts of residential buildings in the southeastern Ukrainian city and injured at least 18 people.
Putin Back in 2018 Creative Commons Image
Putin in 2021 Creative Commons Photo
Emergency workers spent hours searching through the rubble, and local authorities have warned that more victims could still be trapped underneath.
In a statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy linked the attack to Washington’s decision to ease economic pressure on Moscow. He argued that the agreement sends the Kremlin the wrong message at a critical stage in the war. President Donald Trump responded on Saturday morning by suggesting that Ukraine needs a “new leader who can make a deal.”
What Zelenskyy Said
“Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia. As of now, sadly, twelve people have been confirmed killed, including three children,” the Ukrainian president wrote on X.
“My condolences to all their families and loved ones. Another fourteen people have been injured, and two of them are in critical condition – the doctors are fighting to save their lives. The status of twelve more people who may have been there is still being verified. All emergency services are at the scene, and search-and-rescue operations are underway. Overnight, thirteen of our regions came under attack. Residential buildings, infrastructure, and railway facilities have been damaged.”
Zelenskyy also suggested that the overnight strikes proved that any easing of economic pressure on Russia would simply allow the country to keep fighting and dropping bombs on cities. He said Washington should send different “signals” to Russia, and that Moscow “must understand that it needs to stop the war.”
“And for that to happen, Russia must feel its losses,” he said. Right now, our long-range capabilities are ensuring this. And we will respond to Russian strikes.”
Putin Speaking in July 2026 Creative Commons Photo
Russian Strikes Kill Dozens In One Week
The Zaporizhzhia attack is one in a long string of deadly Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities, including in recent days, with civilian casualties continuing to mount.
Russia continues its aerial campaign against residential areas and critical infrastructure as it seeks to pressure Ukraine to concede and make its forces expend a dwindling supply of interceptors.
On Thursday, October 8, Russian forces struck two civilian buses in Kramatorsk, in the eastern Donetsk region. The strike killed at least 33 people and injured 18 others. Ukrainian authorities accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians. A day earlier, on October 7, a Russian missile struck a five-story apartment building in Pryluky, in the northern region of Chernihiv. The attack killed 22 people, including five children. President Zelenskyy visited the site with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband after the strike.
The United Nations is also raising concerns about the escalating attacks. During a Security Council meeting on Friday, October 9, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari said that more than 100 civilians had been killed and at least 429 injured throughout the country over the last week.
Russia is also intensifying its strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure as the winter months approach, threatening electricity and heating supplies in Ukraine’s major cities.
Trump’s Deal Complicates Negotiations
The latest strikes follow a deterioration in relations between Washington and Kyiv after President Trump announced that sanctions on Russian energy would be eased to allow the sale of large volumes of Russian diesel on the international market.
On Friday, October 9, the president announced a deal with Russia to sell almost two million tons of diesel to the United States and other international buyers.
“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” the president announced on Truth Social.
“Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel. Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” he continued, promising “lower prices” for American farmers, ranchers, and truckers.
After the deal, President Zelenskyy reportedly called President Trump’s call “weak.” When informed of the comments by journalists on Friday, Trump responded, “ok.”
About the Author: Jack Buckby
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, and he produces and edits analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.
