Russian Strikes Kill 22 Civilians Across Ukraine Amid Sanctions Threats

Russian forces continued their aggressive airstrikes in Ukraine, killing at least 22 people, including 17 inmates in a prison in Zaporizhzhia and several civilians in medical facilities such as a maternity hospital, despite US President Donald Trump's recent ultimatum. Trump shortened the deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to achieve a ceasefire to 10-12 days, threatening sanctions and tariffs on Russia and its trading partners if the violence does not stop. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and welcomed Trump's tougher stance, while Kremlin officials dismissed the ultimatum as provocative and unlikely to change Russia's military approach. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that Trump's demands could escalate tensions toward war between the US and Russia. Analysts suggest that Putin has no intention to halt the invasion under pressure, maintaining a geopolitical confrontation with the West. The ongoing conflict highlights the severe toll on civilian lives and infrastructure amid stalled peace efforts.