Tragic Russian Strikes in Ukraine Amid Controversial Diesel Deal with Trump

In a tragic turn of events, Russian airstrikes in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region have resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including three children. This escalation comes just after former US President Donald Trump announced a controversial deal to purchase diesel from Russia, which Kyiv warns could finance Moscow's war efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the deal, suggesting it prolongs the conflict and benefits Russia. As tensions rise, the implications of this deal and the ongoing violence raise significant concerns for Ukraine and its allies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 13:41 IST

Devastating Attacks in Zaporizhzhia

Kyiv: Officials reported that Russian airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday. This incident occurred just a day after former US President Donald Trump revealed a deal to purchase Russian diesel, which Kyiv warned could finance Moscow's ongoing military efforts in Ukraine.

Among the deceased were three children, as Russian bombs targeted residential areas in Zaporizhzhia, according to Mykhailo Semikin, the head of the regional military administration. The attack also left at least ten others injured.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated into a prolonged aerial warfare, with both sides largely stalemated on the ground front, nearly four and a half years after Moscow's full-scale invasion. Ukraine is facing increasing challenges in countering intensified Russian bombardments, which have claimed over 55 lives in just the past four days.

These latest assaults coincided with Trump's announcement of a deal to acquire diesel from Russia, marking a significant shift from years of US sanctions aimed at pressuring Moscow regarding its actions in Ukraine. This move appears to be an effort to alleviate rising fuel costs ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections.

Trump disclosed on social media that he had negotiated the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call that was initially intended to address a suspected plague case in Russia.

Instead, Trump revealed that Russia would supply over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, with an additional 500,000 tons scheduled for November and another million tons shortly thereafter. He mentioned that Russia would also deliver an extra 3 million tons in the near future.

This surprising announcement starkly contrasts with a comprehensive sanctions law Trump signed the previous month, which aimed to restrict the oil and gas revenues that support Russia's military actions against Ukraine.

In response to the deal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his concerns online, stating that Russia would likely respond with increased aggression and deceit. He characterized the deal as an investment in prolonging the conflict.

Zelenskyy emphasized that this arrangement benefits Russia, enabling it to inflict more casualties, extend the war, and diminish respect for the United States, ultimately leading to greater global losses and destruction.

A statement from the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington indicated that Zelenskyy deemed the decision weak, lamenting that it came from strong allies.

Trump's announcement coincided with a meeting in Miami between his envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Ukrainian officials to discuss a potential resolution to the conflict.

Zelenskyy remarked, "I believe our team is simply being used as a smokescreen. That is certainly not fair and not how partners should treat each other."