In a tragic escalation of violence, Kharkiv, Ukraine, faced a devastating airstrike on Friday that left at least six civilians dead, including a 14-year-old girl. The attack, attributed to Russian forces, targeted residential areas and a playground, injuring nearly 100 individuals, including many children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as cowardly and called for increased military support from Western allies to help defend against such assaults.
The bombing, executed by Su-34 fighter jets from Russia's Belgorod region, utilized 500-kilogram guided bombs designed for precision strikes on civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities reported significant damage across Kharkiv, with 82 apartment buildings and numerous other structures impacted. Zelensky emphasized the need for long-range weapons to effectively counter such attacks and hold Russia accountable.
In retaliation, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on the Belgorod region, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. Reports indicate that at least five individuals were killed in Belgorod due to Ukrainian strikes, raising concerns about the ongoing cycle of violence. These developments highlight the urgent need for international intervention and support to mitigate the escalating conflict.
