Russian drones attack Ukrainian medical facility after Trump-Zelensky meeting
What's the story
Russian drones targeted a medical facility and civilian areas in Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv on Friday night. The attack came shortly after a tense Oval Office meeting between United States President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The drones struck three districts within Kharkiv, according to Reuters. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed via Telegram that at least five people were injured in the attacks.
Attack aftermath
Drone attack forces evacuation, damages civilian buildings
The drone assault, which involved eight drones, forced over 50 people to evacuate from the medical center. The attack also ignited a fire in the city and damaged several civilian buildings. Separately, a drone attack in the vicinity of the Black Sea city of Odesa set a private residence and a business on fire, killing one and injuring another.
Escalating conflict
Russia intensifies drone attacks amid mineral rights negotiations
These incidents are part of a larger pattern of increased drone attacks by Russia on Ukraine. The escalation comes as the Trump administration is in talks with Ukraine over mineral rights. Earlier this week, Russia launched a record 267 drones at Kyiv, over 483km from the conflict's front lines. The surge in violence coincided with the US and Ukrainian governments' efforts to finalize a deal on mineral rights, seen as crucial for advancing toward a cease-fire agreement.
Diplomatic dispute
Tensions rise in Oval Office over mineral rights deal
However, the expected signing of the mineral rights deal never happened on Friday due to a fiery exchange in the Oval Office. Zelensky and his team were shown the door from the White House after a spat with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump accused Zelensky of disrespecting "the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office" during their meeting, adding that it appeared Zelensky preferred to "fight, fight, fight" with Russia instead of seeking peace.