Russian Strikes Kill 10 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Meets Trump at White House
Kyiv/Washington — Russian missile strikes pounded cities across Ukraine on [date], killing at least 10 civilians and wounding dozens more, even as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump at the White House to plead for continued U.S. support.
Key Developments
- Deadly Attacks: Russian missiles hit Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia, destroying residential buildings and a children’s hospital.
- Zelenskyy’s Urgent Appeal: The Ukrainian leader pressed Trump and U.S. lawmakers to unblock stalled military aid, warning that delays cost lives.
- Trump’s Response: The former president expressed sympathy but reiterated his push for negotiations, saying, “We must stop the killing—but it must be a strong deal.”
Why This Matters
- War Escalation: The strikes came just as Zelenskyy sought Western reinforcements, underscoring Putin’s tactic of maximizing pressure during diplomatic moments.
- U.S. Aid Stalled: A $60 billion package remains held up in Congress, with Trump allies demanding stricter oversight.
- Global Fallout: The timing highlights how Ukraine’s survival hinges on U.S. politics ahead of the 2024 election.
International Reactions
- EU Condemns Russia: Called the hospital attack a “war crime.”
- Biden’s Warning: “If Trump abandons Ukraine, Putin wins.”
- Ukrainians’ Plea: “We need weapons, not just words,” said a Kharkiv survivor.
What’s Next?
- Congressional Showdown: House Republicans face mounting pressure to pass aid before August recess.
- NATO Summit: Zelenskyy heads to Washington next week to rally allies.
- Russian Offensive: Fears grow of a summer push to exploit Ukraine’s ammunition shortages.
Final Thought: As Zelenskyy fights for his country’s future in Washington, Putin’s missiles send a brutal message: Time is running out.
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