Zelenskyy seeks more sanctions as Russian strikes kill 14

Russian attacks in Ukraine kill 14, prompt Zelenskyy to call for more sanctions ahead of US-Ukraine talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday (March 8, 2025) called for more sanctions against Russia as overnight strikes killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more, days ahead of talks between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators aimed at securing a truce.

A Russian assault hit the centre of Dobropillia in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region late on Friday, killing 11 people and wounding 30, according to the emergency services.

Separately, three people were killed and seven others wounded in a drone attack early on Saturday in the city of Bogodukhiv, the military head of the eastern Kharkiv region, Oleg Synegubov, said.

Russia fired two missiles and 145 drones at Bogodukhiv, Ukraine's air force said.

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The overnight air raids came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia but said it might be "easier" to work with Moscow than Kyiv on efforts to end the three-year-long war.

"Such strikes show that Russia's goals are unchanged. Therefore, it is very important to continue to do everything to protect life, strengthen our air defence, and increase sanctions against Russia," Zelensky wrote on the Telegram social media channel.