In the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, a tragic event unfolded when a 14-year-old girl lost her life due to a Russian guided bomb strike targeting a playground. This attack also claimed the lives of at least six others and left 59 individuals injured, including nine children, after a 12-story residential building was hit. The aftermath was marked by flames and thick black smoke emanating from the upper floors of the building, as firefighters worked diligently to rescue trapped residents.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to this incident, reiterated his plea to Ukraine’s international allies for permission to conduct retaliatory strikes within Russian territory. He emphasized the need for such actions to prevent further attacks like this one, noting that over the past week, more than 400 drones and missiles had been launched by Russian forces towards Ukraine. This call for action came shortly before Zelensky dismissed the head of his air force, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk.
Kharkiv, located just 35km from the Russian border, has been a frequent target since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Regional head Oleh Sinehubov reported on Telegram that among the wounded, 20 were in critical condition, with some facing the necessity for amputations. The strikes, launched from Russia’s Belgorod region, not only damaged the residential structure but also set numerous cars ablaze outside.
Sinehubov confirmed the use of guided missiles, pointing out that the targeted areas were civilian-heavy zones, including parks, thus labeling the act as terrorism against civilians. Zelensky condemned the targeting of ordinary citizens, arguing that such tragedies could be avoided if Ukraine had the capability to strike Russian military aircraft at their bases. He stressed the legitimacy of Ukraine’s need for defense capabilities, criticizing the limitations imposed by Western allies who fear escalation.
The UK has permitted the use of supplied equipment for strikes into Russia, with exceptions like the long-range Storm Shadow missiles. The US has allowed limited retaliatory actions near the Kharkiv region, but maintains restrictions on deeper incursions into Russian territory. Zelensky pushed for the full implementation of air defense agreements and long-range capabilities, describing these as life-saving measures.
Following the attacks, US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, expressed solidarity with Kharkiv’s residents and called for accountability from Russia for these war crimes. Meanwhile, reports suggest Western support has enabled Ukraine to conduct numerous long-range drone strikes within Russia, targeting military and strategic locations.
In a related development, Russian officials reported casualties in the Belgorod region due to Ukrainian strikes, with Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov mentioning civilian casualties and injuries from what he described as Ukrainian use of cluster munitions. This ongoing conflict continues to blur the lines between military and civilian life, with each side accusing the other of atrocities.
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