Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the latest Russian strikes across Ukraine underscore Moscow’s continued commitment to its military objectives. Writing on Telegram, Zelenskyy urged for strengthened air defences and increased sanctions against Russia.
“Such strikes show that Russia’s objectives have not changed,” he wrote. “Therefore, it is very important to continue to do everything to protect life, strengthen our air defence, and tighten sanctions against Russia. Everything that helps Putin finance the war must be broken.”
Last night, the Russian army struck the center of Dobropillya in the Donetsk region with two ballistic missiles. After our emergency services arrived at the scene, they launched another strike, deliberately targeting the rescuers. This is a vile and inhumane intimidation tactic… pic.twitter.com/IR6D4NOCTT
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 8, 2025
Widespread Russian Strikes
Deadly Attack on Dobropillya
One of the deadliest strikes occurred in Dobropillya, Donetsk region, where at least 11 people were killed and 30 injured following a Russian bombardment on 7 March. The attack targeted the town centre, damaging eight five-storey residential buildings, an administrative building, and 30 vehicles.
Emergency services reported that fires broke out in both residential and administrative buildings. During firefighting efforts, Russian forces launched a secondary attack—likely using a Shahed drone—damaging a fire truck. Despite the risks, rescue workers continued their efforts, managing to contain fires in 20 apartments and extinguishing three major blazes covering 190 square metres.
Ukraine’s National Police later clarified that the attack was a combined strike using an Iskander-M missile, Tornado-S multiple rocket launcher, and a Geran-2 drone. Among the wounded were five children.
Escalation in Kharkiv
In the Kharkiv region, a separate overnight drone attack killed three people and injured seven. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that four drones struck a meat processing facility in Bogodukhiv, causing significant fires that damaged workshops and garages. Several villages, including Pechenigi and Odnorobivka, were also targeted.
Targeting Key Infrastructure
Russian strikes extended beyond Donetsk and Kharkiv, with major infrastructure targeted in Odesa and Poltava. Ukraine’s largest energy company, Naftogaz, confirmed that its facilities in Odesa were hit again, while its operations in Poltava were suspended following continued attacks.
Tactics and Weapons Used
Deployment of Dummy Drones
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched two Iskander ballistic missiles and one cruise missile from the Rostov region, alongside 145 drones. The attack included Shahed attack UAVs and dummy drones, the latter used to deceive and overwhelm Ukrainian air defences. According to Ukraine, air defence units successfully intercepted 79 drones and the cruise missile.
Impact of Reduced Intelligence Sharing
Concerns have been raised over Ukraine’s ability to predict Russian military movements, as reports indicate that US intelligence sharing with Kyiv has been scaled back.
Major Volodymyr Omelyan of the Ukrainian Armed Forces described the situation as “fighting blind.” Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he stated: “We don’t see what Russia is preparing to do on its territory anymore. It’s very difficult to see the main direction of their future attacks and supplies. You hear the noise and feel the enemy, but you cannot see it.”
His comments come amid reports that former US President Donald Trump has suggested he may reconsider sanctions on Russia.
Rising Civilian Casualties and Ongoing Russian Pressure
Russian strikes continue to inflict civilian casualties. Donetsk regional governor Vadym Filashkin confirmed that at least 20 civilians were killed and 43 wounded on Friday alone. These figures do not include casualties from Russian-occupied areas such as Mariupol and Volnovakha.
Ukraine has proposed a ceasefire, but Russia has rejected such efforts. The intensification of attacks signals Moscow’s determination to continue its military campaign.
As the war persists, Ukraine is calling on its allies for increased military aid and tougher economic sanctions against Russia. The latest strikes reinforce the reality that, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia remains committed to its long-term objectives in Ukraine.
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