Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 4 as deal to end war dims

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voices openness to diverting weapons to Kyiv to support the US attack on Iran.At least four people have been killed and more than a dozen others wounded after Russia struck two Ukrainian cities, as the war continues apace without the prospect of a quick resolution, with the world’s attention now focused on Iran.The attacks early on Saturday hit Odesa and Kryvyi Rih, damaging residential areas, a maternity hospital, and an industrial site.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4How extensive is Russia’s military aid to Iran?list 2 of 4Ukraine’s Zelenskyy urges allies to pressure Russia ahead of US talkslist 3 of 4EU calls for clarification after Hungary accused of leaking info to Russialist 4 of 4Ukraine strikes key Russian oil port and refineryend of listIn Odesa, one person died in hospital from injuries sustained in the strikes, according to Serhiy Lysak, head of the city’s military administration.He said 11 people were wounded, including a child, and reported damage to a maternity hospital roof, high-rise buildings, and homes in several districts.Lysak said fires broke out on the upper floors of an apartment block while cars were damaged and residential buildings had shattered windows and broken balconies.“The enemy has once again attacked the city’s civilian infrastructure,” he said.In Kryvyi Rih, two men were killed and two wounded in a morning strike that hit an industrial site, said Oleksandr Ganzha, head of the Dnipro regional administration. He said fires erupted at the facility.⁠Russian ⁠drones attacked Ukrainian gas production ⁠facilities in the Poltava ⁠region, killing one person, Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz ‌said on Saturday.“For the third day in a row, Russian forces have ⁠been conducting massive attacks ⁠on Naftogaz Group gas production assets ⁠in the Poltava ⁠region,” the ⁠company said. “Overnight and this morning, the enemy ‌struck three production facilities with drones.”