Guided bombs hit Kharkiv, killing three and wounding dozens

A devastating Russian bombing raid on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, killed three people and injured 52 on Saturday. Three children were among the injured, and four of the victims were reported to be in serious condition. The attack used Russian-guided bombs, which President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned and called for more assistance to counter these threats.

As a result of the bombing, a five-storey apartment building was severely damaged and part of it turned into ruins. Images circulating online show the extent of the destruction, with a visible crater, collapsed balconies and debris scattered around. Prosecutors of the Eastern Kharkiv region confirmed the casualty figures following the attack in the afternoon.

In his statement via Telegram, President Zelenskiy emphasized that this influx, which he defined as “Russian terrorism through guided bombs”, must be stopped immediately. He called on international partners to take decisive action to support Ukraine in stopping the Russian military advance. In his video speech at night, Zelenskiy announced that Russian forces used more than 2,400 guided bombs against Ukraine in June, and approximately 700 of them targeted Kharkiv.

Zelenskiy underlined the effectiveness of the latest US aid, following Congressional approval in April, in reducing the frequency and impact of missile attacks against Kharkiv. Emphasizing that the promised military aid packages should be delivered without delay, Zelenskiy referred to an agreement made with US President Biden.

The bilateral security agreement signed between Ukraine and the United States this month aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russia and bring the country closer to NATO membership. Russia is increasingly using guided bombs, which are cheaper and pose less of a risk to its forces.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces have slowly advanced in the eastern Donetsk region. Despite the capture of Avdiivka and other villages three months ago, the Ukrainian President claims that the situation near Kharkiv has stabilized.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that there were four attacks on the city during the last raid. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that rescue efforts are continuing in the affected building, which also includes a store on the ground floor. Kharkiv Police Chief Serhiy Bolvinov said that although three floors had collapsed, no one was believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Kharkiv, located approximately 20 miles from the Russian border, has been the target of frequent attacks throughout the conflict that has lasted for approximately 28 months. The war caused thousands of casualties, although Moscow denies deliberately targeting civilians.

Reuters contributed to this article.

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