KYIV: A late-night Russian airstrike on a residential neighborhood in Kharkiv wounded 21 people, including an eight-year-old child, as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. The attack, which occurred on Saturday night, followed earlier strikes that killed five persons—two of whom were children—in central Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on social media, stating, “Last night, Russia struck Kharkiv again, this time with aerial bombs targeting an ordinary residential building.” He said that among the injured, two persons were in critical condition. The regional leader, Oleg Synegubov, said that many residents were asleep when the strike occurred.
Rescue operations were underway at the damaged site, with emergency responders using chainsaws to navigate through the rubble and assist trapped residents. Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes, with one woman reportedly sobbing for her mother amidst the devastation. “It’s not the first time,” her mother, Oleksandra Ivanivna, said.
Kharkiv, once home to 1.4 million residents before Russia’s invasion, has endured relentless attacks throughout the year. Mayor Igor Terekhov lamented the ongoing violence, stating, “Every day and every night Kharkiv suffers the hits,” emphasizing the absence of military targets in the area.
Zelensky highlighted the urgency of enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities in response to such attacks. He stated, “We need to strengthen our capabilities to better protect lives and ensure safety. Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities.” He is set to present proposals in the United States aimed at securing authorization for using long-range weapons against targets within Russia.
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The Ukrainian president’s visit to Washington comes amid heightened military tensions. In meetings with President Joe Biden, as well as US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Zelensky is expected to discuss his “victory plan”.
Kremlin officials reiterated that they would not participate in a proposed international peace summit unless Ukraine agrees to surrender four regions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced skepticism about the prospects for peace, suggesting that both sides appear to be focusing on achieving military victories rather than negotiations. He noted, “President Zelensky has announced that he has a victory plan to present in the United States… The Russians have clearly indicated that they also have victory (in mind).”
