A Russian guided bomb hit a five-story apartment block in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, late on Wednesday, igniting fires and leaving at least 10 people injured, including a three-year-old child. A Russian attack on Kharkiv has left 12 people injured, including a 3-year-old child, after KAB gliding bombs struck a residential apartment building. The bomb destroyed four apartments and two cars in the parking lot, igniting a fire that was later extinguished by firefighters, according to local reports.
In a broader wave of overnight attacks, Russian drones were shot down over 15 Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted at least 78 drones, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed in a morning statement.
Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, continues to endure frequent assaults, with this latest attack marking another incident of civilian infrastructure being targeted in the ongoing conflict.
Images from the scene showed cars engulfed in flames outside the building as firefighters battled through smoke and debris to enter the structure. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that guided bombs had struck two districts in the city, a frequent target of Russian attacks due to its proximity to the Russian border, located just 30 kilometers (18 miles) away.
Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his call for greater support from Western allies, emphasizing the urgent need for more assistance. Drawing parallels to Iran’s recent strikes on Israel, Zelensky urged the international community to act decisively in support of Ukraine.
“Ukraine must receive the necessary, and most importantly, sufficient help from the world, from our partners,” Zelensky said in his nightly address. “Every time in the Middle East, during criminal Iranian strikes, we see how the international coalition acts together. Every leader knows exactly what needs to be done. It is important to be decisive.”
The attack in Kharkiv is part of a continued series of assaults on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, though cities and towns far from the front lines have been struck frequently throughout the 2.5-year-long war.
In Kyiv, fragments from a downed Russian drone also damaged an apartment building in the eastern part of the capital, although no casualties were reported.
Zelensky’s latest plea for assistance comes ahead of a key meeting in Germany this month, where Western allies, including U.S. President Joe Biden, are expected to discuss additional military aid to support Ukraine’s defense.
Key Points:
- Russian Strike in Kharkiv: A Russian guided bomb hit a five-story apartment block in Kharkiv, igniting fires and injuring at least 10 people, including a three-year-old child.
- Severe Damage and Rescue Efforts: Several floors were destroyed, and a search is underway for residents who may be trapped under the rubble. Firefighters are working through the wreckage.
- Kharkiv Targeted Frequently: Located near the Russian border, Kharkiv has been a regular target of Russian attacks throughout the ongoing war.
- Zelensky’s Call for Western Support: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for increased support from Western allies, drawing parallels to the international response to Iran’s strikes on Israel.
- Upcoming International Meeting: Zelensky urged decisive action from Ukraine’s allies ahead of a key meeting in Germany this month, where U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to discuss further military aid for Ukraine.
- Additional Drone Damage in Kyiv: A downed Russian drone caused damage to an apartment building in Kyiv, but no casualties were reported.
- Russia’s Denial of Civilian Targeting: While Russia denies targeting civilians, it has frequently struck towns and cities far from the front lines.
