Strikes killing 17 are Russia’s ‘thanks’ for US diesel sanctions lift, Zelenskyy says

Key Points:

• A Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia killed at least 17 people, including three children, and injured 18 others, with rescue operations ongoing amid destroyed residential buildings.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as Moscow's retaliation for the recent lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel exports by the U.S., linking the attacks to economic decisions.
• The attacks followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel to reduce soaring fuel prices, a move criticized by Zelenskyy as undermining peace efforts.
• Despite diplomatic talks in Miami aimed at ending the conflict, Ukraine's delegation returned early, with plans to continue targeting Russian oil refineries, including a recent strike on a facility in Russia's Samara region.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced the suspension of diesel sanctions, warning it funds Russia's war efforts, and announced that EU Foreign Ministers will soon approve the largest set of sanctions against Russia since the war began.