At Least 9 Dead In Drone Strikes After U.S. And Ukraine Sign Minerals Deal

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian officials reported a drone attack that killed at least seven people in the Kherson region, while a Russian strike in Odesa resulted in two fatalities on Thursday. These incidents occurred shortly after the signing of an agreement between Kyiv and Washington that grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.

The attack in Oleshky’s market in southern Ukraine led to seven deaths and over 20 injuries, according to Moscow-appointed Governor Vladimir Saldo. He mentioned that Ukraine deployed additional drones to eliminate any survivors following the initial strikes.

Simultaneously, a Russian drone attack in Odesa caused two deaths and injured 15 others, as per Ukrainian emergency services. The strike hit several buildings, including apartments, homes, a supermarket, and a school, according to Regional Governor Oleh Kiper.

Videos shared by Kiper on Telegram displayed severe damage to a high-rise building and firefighters extinguishing flames. Additionally, a drone attack set a petrol station ablaze in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, stated Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia for disregarding a U.S. proposal for a full ceasefire and targeting civilian infrastructure repeatedly. Zelenskyy expressed disappointment at Russia’s continuous attacks amid efforts to establish peace.

Regarding the mineral resources agreement, former economy minister Tymofiy Mylovanov praised Ukraine’s success in safeguarding its interests during negotiations with the U.S. He highlighted the deal’s fairness, which does not require repayment of previous aid and allows Ukraine to trade with other countries besides the U.S.

The reaction to the deal among Kyiv residents varied, with some cautiously optimistic and others skeptical about Ukraine’s future. While some saw it as a step towards victory, others expressed concerns about Ukraine’s sovereignty and reliance on external support.

In Moscow, the response to the minerals agreement was subdued, with Russian officials criticizing the deal as a form of exploitation. Deputy chair of Russia’s National Security Council Dmitry Medvedev accused the U.S. of using military aid to extract Ukraine’s resources, while Vladimir Rogov warned of Ukraine’s potential subjugation to foreign interests.
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A correction was issued for a previous version of this story regarding the number of Ukrainian drones shot down by Russia’s Defense Ministry.