Russian airstrike on Kharkiv apartment building injures 10

Bomb hit apartment block between third and fourth floors in the Saltivka district, residential area often targeted

A Russian guided bomb struck a five-story apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, late Wednesday, injuring at least 10 people, including a three-year-old child.

The attack ignited fires and caused significant damage, further heightening the sense of vulnerability in the city, which lies just 30 kilometers from the Russian border.

The bomb hit the apartment block between the third and fourth floors in the Saltivka district, a residential area that has been a frequent target of Russian strikes since the onset of the war.

Several floors were destroyed, and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities search for people possibly trapped under the rubble, according to Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that two districts in the city were hit by Russian guided bombs.

Photos shared online show firefighters navigating through thick smoke and debris, while cars burned outside the damaged building.

This latest strike is part of a prolonged series of Russian attacks on civilian areas across Ukraine, despite Moscow's denial of intentionally targeting non-combatants.

The ongoing bombardments of residential zones behind the frontlines have become a recurring feature of the conflict, now in its third year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded to the attack with a renewed call for more robust military aid from Ukraine’s Western allies.

In a message posted on the Telegram app, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of decisive action by international leaders, saying that the world knows what needs to be done to stop Russian aggression.

He pointed to Iran's recent strike on Israel as an example of how global coalitions can act swiftly in times of crisis.

"Ukraine must receive the necessary, and most importantly, sufficient help from the world, from our partners," Zelenskiy said.

He underscored the need for increased military assistance ahead of an upcoming meeting in Germany, where US President Joe Biden is expected to attend discussions on providing more aid to Ukraine.

Kharkiv, which lies in northeastern Ukraine, has endured relentless attacks throughout the war. The city, once home to 1.4 million people, has been one of the most bombarded urban centers due to its proximity to the Russian border.

Despite numerous strikes, Kharkiv remains under Ukrainian control, and residents continue to face the daily threat of aerial assaults.

In addition to the airstrike in Kharkiv, Kyiv authorities reported damage to an apartment building in one of the capital's eastern districts.

The damage was caused by fragments from a downed Russian drone, but no casualties were reported.

This attack comes amid broader concerns about the conflict’s potential to escalate. Ukraine's government has been drawing parallels between its situation and other global conflicts, particularly Israel's struggle against Iranian-backed militant groups.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy called attention to the support the US and its allies provide Israel, advocating for similar international solidarity with Ukraine.

The ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

Despite international sanctions on Russia and consistent military aid to Ukraine, there appears to be no end in sight to the violence, which continues to take a heavy toll on Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv.

With winter approaching, the frequency of airstrikes and drone attacks raises concerns over the well-being of civilians, especially in frontline areas like Kharkiv.

Ukrainian officials hope that the upcoming meeting in Germany will result in increased military support to defend against Russia’s intensified strikes.