A 14-year-old girl was killed following a Russian guided bomb strike on a playground in Kharkiv, a city in northeastern Ukraine, according to local officials.
The attack also resulted in the deaths of at least six others and injured 59 people when a 12-story residential building was hit. Images from the scene showed flames and thick black smoke emerging from the upper floors of the building while firefighters worked to rescue people.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his appeal for international support to enable Ukraine to strike targets within Russia to prevent such attacks. His office reported that Moscow’s forces have launched over 400 drones and missiles at Ukraine in the past week.
This strike occurred just hours before Zelensky dismissed Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, the head of Ukraine’s air force.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, located approximately 35 km (22 miles) from the Russian border, has been frequently targeted since Russia’s large-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Regional head Oleh Sinehubov reported on Telegram that at least 59 people, including nine children, were injured, with 20 in serious condition and some requiring amputations. Photos from the scene showed part of the building’s outer wall collapsed and several cars ablaze.
Sinehubov stated that the strikes were launched from Russia’s Belgorod region, just across the border. He emphasized that the precision of the attacks indicated the use of guidance systems and characterized the strikes as an act of mass terror against civilians.
Zelensky argued that these attacks could have been avoided if Ukraine had the capability to destroy Russian military aircraft at their bases, describing the need for such capabilities as legitimate and underscoring that there is no rational reason to limit Ukraine’s defense.
Western allies have partially restricted Ukraine’s use of their weapons for strikes on Russian territory out of concern for escalating the conflict. The UK has allowed much of the military equipment it provided to be used against Russia, but has kept long-range Storm Shadow missiles restricted. The US has permitted strikes inside Russia, but only in the Kharkiv region and only in retaliation against Russian forces targeting Ukraine. It continues to restrict strikes deeper into Russian territory.
Zelensky stressed the need for long-range capabilities and full implementation of air defense agreements to save lives.
In response to Friday’s attacks, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink expressed support for Kharkiv and called for Russia to be held accountable for these war crimes.
Earlier this week, reports indicated that Western technology and finance were aiding Ukraine in executing numerous long-range strikes in Russia using Ukrainian-produced drones. Targets included air force bases, oil and ammunition depots, and command centers.
In related news, Russian officials reported that five people were killed and 37 injured in the Belgorod region due to Ukrainian strikes, which they claimed involved “cluster munitions.”
