Russian missile attacks in Ukraine’s cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv have resulted in the death of four individuals and injuries to dozens. Residential areas were heavily impacted, with buildings in Kharkiv being partially destroyed and a block of flats in Kyiv catching fire. Despite Ukraine’s air force intercepting many missiles, the threat remains high, underscoring Ukrainian calls for more Western military support.
by Jack Diffley
In a grave escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian cities Kyiv and Kharkiv have suffered devastating missile strikes by Russian forces, leading to tragic civilian casualties. Early Tuesday, Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, faced severe missile attacks that resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to 42 others. The victims included two women, aged 40 and 56, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attacks on residential areas.
The intensity of the assault was such that it led to the partial destruction of a residential building, prompting frantic rescue operations amidst the rubble. Meanwhile, in the capital city of Kyiv, the situation was equally dire. A block of flats was engulfed in flames, leading to several injuries. Initially, there were reports of a woman’s death, but later updates clarified that her death was not confirmed. The central Solomianskyi and western Sviatoshynskyi districts of Kyiv bore the brunt of these attacks.
Our correspondent Sarah Rainsford reported that the air raid in Kyiv was alarmingly prolonged, lasting over two and a half hours, the longest since early January. In a display of resilience, Ukraine’s air force successfully neutralized 21 of the 41 missiles launched by Russia overnight. However, the discovery of an unexploded missile warhead in a residential area of Kyiv underscored the ongoing peril faced by civilians.
Further complicating the situation, a fatality was reported in the industrial city of Pavlohrad, situated in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This series of attacks amplifies the urgency of Ukraine’s appeals for more substantial military aid from Western allies. Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential administration, echoed this sentiment through a video showcasing the destruction in Kharkiv, stressing the nation’s dire need for weaponry.
In a striking turn of events, Ukrainian forces have launched their own counter-offensive in the past week, targeting Russian energy infrastructure. This includes unprecedented attacks on a key oil terminal in St Petersburg, which led to a significant disruption of operations for the energy company Novatek at its Ust-Luga Baltic Sea export complex.
These developments indicate a critical phase in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where civilian areas are increasingly becoming targets, and the demand for more robust military support from the West is intensifying.
(Associated Medias | FAD) – All rights reserved.