Russia Kills 27 in Ukraine Despite Trump’s Ultimatum for Peace

As Russia kills civilians in Ukraine at alarming rates, U.S. President Donald Trump has given the Kremlin just 10 to 12 more days to reach a peace deal—or face harsh new sanctions and tariffs. However, the Russian military continues its assaults on civilian targets, killing at least 27 people overnight, according to Ukrainian officials.

Prison and Hospital Targeted in Deadly Strikes

Four Russian glide bombs struck a prison in Zaporizhzhia, killing 16 inmates and injuring over 90. Meanwhile, missile attacks in the Dnipro region hit a maternity hospital and destroyed a three-story residential building. At least five more people died, including a 23-year-old pregnant woman.

“These were conscious, deliberate strikes — not accidental,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump Tightens Peace Deadline

Speaking from Scotland, Trump shortened his previous 50-day ultimatum to just 10–12 days, pressing Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war by August 7–9. Trump warned of sweeping economic retaliation if Russia doesn’t comply.

“I’m disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said. “He talks about peace, then bombs civilians.”

Despite this, the Kremlin remains defiant. A spokesman said Russia has “taken note” of Trump’s demand but remains committed to achieving its military goals.

Kremlin Pushes Back Against U.S. Pressure

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned Trump not to “play the ultimatum game with Russia,” suggesting it could escalate into broader conflict.

“Each new ultimatum is a step towards war,” Medvedev posted on X.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War noted that Moscow continues to frame the conflict as a geopolitical battle against the West, using this narrative to justify ongoing aggression.

Glide Bombs and Drones Rain Down Across Ukraine

Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 32 out of 37 Russian drones launched overnight, along with two ballistic missiles. The heaviest strike hit the Bilenkivska Correctional Facility, destroying the dining hall and injuring dozens of inmates.

Glide bombs—Soviet-era explosives retrofitted with GPS systems—have devastated urban areas across eastern Ukraine, carrying up to 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs) of explosives.

Other attacks included:

  • A grocery store in Kharkiv hit by shelling, killing 5

  • Strikes in Kherson, killing 1 and injuring 3

  • Bombing of a fire department school in Kropyvnytskyi

Ukraine Retaliates with Long-Range Drone Strikes

In response, Ukraine continues to expand its drone warfare capabilities, targeting oil depots, weapons plants, and railways inside Russia.

On Tuesday, Russia reported 74 Ukrainian drones intercepted across various regions. One drone hit a train station in Salsk, igniting a fire and suspending railway traffic.

Civilian Infrastructure Remains Under Attack

The prison strike occurred exactly three years after a similar explosion at the Olenivka detention facility, which killed over 50 Ukrainian POWs. Independent investigations—including an internal UN report—pointed to Russia as the likely perpetrator.

“Targeting civilian infrastructure like prisons is a war crime under international law,” Ukrainian officials said.

Source: AP News