Written By Lisa Murimi
Russian air strikes have injured at least 41 people in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, according to local officials.Â
Regional head Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that five children were among those hurt and accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, including a supermarket and a sports complex frequented by residents.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, describing them as terrorizing tactics against Kharkiv.
He renewed his appeal for Western support to help Ukraine defend itself. Syniehubov reported that at least ten Russian strikes, including the use of ballistic missiles, had been recorded, with fears that people may be trapped under rubble as rescue operations continue.
Videos from the scene, verified by BBC, show significant damage in the city, including explosions near Akademika Pavlova Street and the Palace of Sport.
The attacks follow Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian targets, which reportedly caused fires at energy facilities in Moscow and the Tver region.
Russian officials reported no casualties from these attacks, although fires were confirmed at an oil refinery and the Konakovo Power Station.
In other developments, a Ukrainian lorry driver was killed in a Russian air strike on a grain convoy in Sumy, with four others injured.
The ongoing conflict continues to impact both countries severely, with intensified attacks and counterattacks affecting critical infrastructure and civilian lives.
