Moscow War: 10 Dead as Russia Strikes Hit Ukraine Ahead of Trump-Zelensky Meeting

• Hours before US President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's meeting in Washington on Monday, Russia reportedly launched a deadly attack in Ukraine
• The attacks reportedly hit an apartment block in Kharkiv city, claimed 10 lives, authorities revealed
• Reports that circulated on Monday, August 18, confirmed that seven civilians, including two children, were killed in the attacks, as stated by Interior minister Igor Klymenko

CHECK OUT: Discover How to Work with Brands, Earn from Affiliate Links, and Tap into Ad Revenue — Because Your Content Deserves to Pay Off

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Kharkiv, Ukraine - On Monday, August 18, Russian attacks on major Ukrainian cities killed at least 10 people before President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected to meet with US president Donald Trump in Washington for a quick deal to end Moscow's war.

Russia strike kills 10 in Ukrainian cities

An entire family, including a toddler and her 16-year-old brother, were among the seven killed in an overnight drone strike on a residential neighbourhood in northeastern Kharkiv, authorities confirmed.

According to report, three people were also killed in a ballistic missile strike on the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said, adding that another 23 were wounded.

In Kharkiv, rescuers carried out bloodied survivors to safety across debris and shattered glass. They shouted to others who remained stuck in the hulking wreckage of an apartment building, Reuters reported.

"An ordinary apartment block ... families with small children, a children's playground, a residential compound," said resident Olena Yakusheva while fighting back tears.

Trump's wife writes ‘private’ letter to Putin

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that First Lady Melania Trump sent a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern over children abducted during the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Donald Trump hand-delivered the letter during a summit with Putin in Alaska, where both leaders claimed progress but did not announce a ceasefire.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was absent from the talks, though Trump pledged to update him on the discussions.

Ukraine to receive US air defense systems

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States struck a new deal with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In an interview, President Trump revealed that the US will send weapons to Ukraine through the NATO alliance.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed the development in a chat with reporters.

Read more about Trump, Zelensky

• Trump hosts peace summit at white house to end Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
• Putin will walk with one arm by the side when meeting Trump, study explains why
• Trump makes declarations over plans to contest
• As Trump mulls sanctions, Russia's military economy slows

Trump invites Putin to White House

Legit.ng earlier reported that media outlets gathered that Sanders took to her Twitter page to make the announcement on Thursday, July 19.

She tweeted: “In Helsinki, @POTUS agreed to ongoing working level dialogue between the two security council staffs.

President Trump asked @Ambjohnbolton to invite President Putin to Washington in the fall and those discussions are already underway."

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.