Russia strikes Ukraine again—20 dead as U.S. cuts off key intel support!

At least 20 people have been killed and 55 injured in a devastating overnight missile strike by Russian forces in Dobropillia, Donetsk region, Ukrainian officials confirmed. The attack, which targeted residential buildings, was followed by a second strike deliberately aimed at emergency responders on the scene, escalating concerns over Russia’s continued military aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the tactic as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and demoralize rescue teams. He reiterated that Moscow’s objectives remain unchanged and called for stronger air defense systems and harsher economic sanctions against Russia.

The strikes come just a day after the United States paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that has further complicated Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against Russian assaults.

U.S. Halts Key Intelligence Support to Ukraine

The timing of the missile attack coincides with a significant shift in U.S. policy. The Trump administration has temporarily suspended access to U.S. government-purchased commercial satellite imagery, including Maxar satellite data, through the Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery system. A spokesperson from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) confirmed the decision, citing a directive from Washington.

Without access to this intelligence, Ukraine loses real-time tracking capabilities for Russian aircraft, drones, and missile launches—an essential tool for preempting strikes and minimizing civilian casualties. The restriction could leave Ukrainian cities more vulnerable to further attacks, especially as Moscow ramps up its missile and drone campaigns.

While Ukraine still has access to Starlink satellite communications, officials warn that the loss of U.S. intelligence-sharing will have immediate battlefield consequences.

European Leaders Condemn Russia, Call for Greater Support

The latest assault has drawn sharp condemnation from Ukraine’s European allies. Polish President Donald Tusk criticized what he described as appeasement towards Russia, warning that leniency only emboldens further aggression. European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains uninterested in diplomatic resolutions.

Kallas urged Western allies to intensify military aid to Ukraine, warning that failure to do so would lead to more civilian casualties. Many European officials view the U.S. intelligence pause as a troubling signal of Washington’s shifting stance on the conflict, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump has openly questioned continued American support for Ukraine.

Russia Escalates Attacks as Ukraine’s Defenses Weaken

In recent months, Russia has significantly increased its use of drones and missile barrages against Ukrainian cities. With U.S. intelligence sharing now halted, Kyiv is left more reliant on Western anti-air defense systems to intercept incoming attacks. However, Ukraine continues to struggle with shortages of key military supplies, including anti-aircraft missiles.

Analysts warn that Russia may seize this moment of vulnerability to intensify its air campaigns, further pressuring Ukrainian forces. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic tensions rising as Western nations debate the level of continued support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Geopolitical Fallout: Washington Pressures Kyiv for Peace Deal

The missile strikes come at a time when the White House is reportedly pressuring Kyiv to negotiate an end to the conflict. U.S. officials have proposed a peace deal that would grant American companies access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, raising concerns about economic motivations behind Washington’s shifting stance.

Trump has repeatedly blamed Ukraine for provoking the war, a stance widely disputed by global leaders and military analysts. His administration’s approach has fueled uncertainty about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, further complicating Kyiv’s war strategy.

A Critical Moment for Ukraine’s Defense

The latest Russian missile strike underscores the growing challenges Ukraine faces as Western support fluctuates. With the U.S. intelligence pause limiting Kyiv’s early-warning capabilities, Ukraine may struggle to defend against intensified attacks in the coming weeks.

As casualties rise and diplomatic pressures mount, the conflict enters a critical phase—one that could determine Ukraine’s long-term ability to resist Russia’s continued military aggression.