Five killed in Russian shelling in Donetsk region, Ukraine

On Saturday, Russian shelling in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine resulted in the deaths of five individuals, with three fatalities occurring in the town of Kostyantynivka and two in the city of Toretsk. The victims in Kostyantynivka were men aged between 24 and 69, and the attack also caused damage to a multi-storey building, an administrative facility, and a shop. This area has been frequently targeted by missile and artillery strikes, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. In response to the escalating conflict, CIA Director William Burns emphasized that Western nations should not be intimidated by Russian threats of nuclear escalation. He noted that the U.S. has previously dismissed such threats and underscored the importance of continued support for Ukraine. This statement comes amid discussions regarding the potential use of Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles within Russian territory. Additionally, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted multiple Russian attack drones overnight, with no reported casualties or damage to significant infrastructure. The Ukrainian government is also taking steps to enhance its military capabilities, including plans to increase domestic weapons production and develop its own missile systems. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian impact remains severe, with recent airstrikes resulting in significant casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons against Russian targets, indicating a shift in strategy as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defense against ongoing aggression.