Two Killed and 27 Wounded After Russia Drops 500kg Bomb on Ukrainian Frontline Town
In a devastating strike that has left a trail of destruction and death, Russian forces dropped a massive 500-kilogramme bomb on the central square of Ukraine's frontline town of Dobropillia, killing at least two people and wounding 27. The attack, which targeted an ordinary shop and shopping pavilions, was described as "horrific, senseless terror" by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The bombing occurred in the early hours of the morning, during rush hour, when many shops and buildings were still crowded with people. According to regional authorities, Russia fired hundreds of drones, artillery, and a ballistic missile at Ukraine just two days after US President Donald Trump threatened his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin with "severe" secondary tariffs on Moscow's trading partners if it did not end the war within 50 days.
"This is horrendous, dumb Russian terror. Simply an attempt to kill as many as possible," Zelenskyy tweeted, condemning the attack and expressing outrage at Russia's actions. "Russia is all about vile strikes like this." The Ukrainian president's words were echoed by Vadym Filashkin, head of Ukraine's embattled Donetsk region, who confirmed that two people had been killed and 27 wounded.
Rescue operations are currently underway in Dobropillia, with officials saying that many more victims may be found as rescue workers clear the rubble. The town, located just 20 kilometres from the frontline, has faced regular attacks throughout Russia's invasion. All the injured have received qualified medical care, and local authorities, police, and emergency services are on-site to assist with the search and rescue operation.
The attack comes as Washington-mediated ceasefire talks stall, with Russia having stepped up its summer campaign in recent weeks. Trump had warned Putin that if a peace deal was not reached within 50 days, the US would impose "severe" secondary tariffs on Moscow's trading partners.
Other Attacks Across Ukraine
In addition to the bombing of Dobropillia, Russia launched other attacks across Ukraine last night, wounding two dozen people in separate incidents. According to officials, one person was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Voronezh, some 200 kilometres from Ukraine's border.
Government Reshuffle
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has announced a government reshuffle, replacing his prime minister and defence minister as he aims to breathe new life into his team. The outgoing prime minister, Denys Shmygal, will take over the defence ministry brief, while Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who had taken part in negotiations with Russia, will become the next Ukrainian ambassador to Washington.
EU Support for Ukraine
The European Commission has proposed establishing a fund of up to €100 billion to support Kyiv, calling it a "long-term commitment to Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction." The EU's anti-crime bodies Europol and Eurojust have coordinated an international operation to dismantle a pro-Russian hacking group accused of launching thousands of online attacks against Ukraine and its allies.
Two people were arrested in the operation, which involved 12 countries. The arrests were made in France and Spain, and are seen as a major blow to Russia's efforts to disrupt Ukraine's online security.
Awareness and Action Needed
The attacks on Dobropillia and other parts of Ukraine have highlighted the need for awareness and action against Russian aggression. The international community must come together to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions.