Mon Mar 31 05:23:52 UTC 2025: ## Kharkiv Hit Again as Drone Warfare Intensifies; Trump Threatens Russia with Tariffs

**Kiev, Ukraine – March 30, 2024** – Russian attacks continued to batter Ukraine over the weekend, with Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, suffering fresh casualties and damage. Ukrainian officials reported two injuries and damage to a kindergarten and homes following Russian bombing. Governor Oleh Syniehubov also reported three injuries and significant damage to infrastructure in Kupiansk from a missile strike, including over ten houses and a cemetery.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia launched over 1,000 drones against Ukraine in the past week. Russia’s Ministry of Defence countered, claiming its air defenses intercepted 66 Ukrainian drones overnight. The ministry also announced the “liberation” of the village of Zaporizhzhia in Donetsk, a claim yet to be independently verified.

Adding to the escalating tensions, former US President Donald Trump expressed anger towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing Putin’s questioning of Zelenskyy’s leadership. Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs of 25-50 percent on Russian oil buyers if Moscow hinders his purported efforts to end the war. He further accused Zelenskyy of attempting to renegotiate a deal concerning access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, warning of “big problems” if such attempts continue.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Russia and the United States reportedly initiated discussions on joint projects involving rare earth metals, according to a Russian official. The talks represent a surprising development amidst the escalating tensions and military actions.

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