Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has pleaded with world leaders not to ignore a Russian attack that killed a toddler. Her plea follows claims by US President Donald Trump that Russia has not "been doing much".
Angelina Mariukhna, 1, was killed in her stroller on October 19 after a Russian drone strike on a park. Her mother Inna, 28, and four others, including an 11-year-old, also died in the incident. More than a dozen other people were injured.
First Lady's Response to the Attack
In response to the attack, Ukraine's First Lady said: "Parents seize every opportunity to let their children breathe fresh air after spending so much time in shelters. Russian killers took advantage of that moment, too."
A horrific image of the deceased toddler has shaken people around the world. President Trump, however, has claimed that Russia has not "been doing much".
Trump's Claims and US-Russia Relations
"Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine. They haven't been doing much," he said, speaking to reporters at the White House. UN human rights monitors warned that Russia's intensifying attacks had driven civilian casualties to some of the highest levels since war broke out in February 2022.
Russia appears to have gained favour with Mr Trump, as several incidents over recent weeks pointed to fractures in his relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US has been accused of withholding intelligence during Russian strikes and limiting Ukraine's access to its Starshield satellite network. It has also purchased Russian diesel and dropped sanctions on the country.
Starlink Slowdown and Witkoff's Praise
Yesterday it was reported that Elon Musk, an ally of Mr Trump, ordered the slowdown of a military-grade version of Starlink relied on by Ukraine last week, which caused panic in Kyiv and left Ukraine vulnerable to Russian attacks. Mr Trump has also said that Mr Zelensky should be replaced as the Ukrainian President.
This week, Mr Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian leader Vladimir Putin during talks in St Petersburg. He said Mr Trump was "deeply grateful" for their diesel deal and even called the Russian dictator "humanitarian" for releasing a US prisoner.
"Because of you, he's going home to his family," Mr Witkoff said. "You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir."
