Russian-Guided Bomb Strikes Kharkiv Apartment Building, 41 Injured

A Russian-guided bomb hit a multi-storey apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, injuring 41 people. President Zelenskiy emphasized the need for Western weapons and air defense support. Governor Syniehubov reported ongoing rescue operations. The attack highlights the urgency for Ukraine to counteract Russian military aviation.

A Russian-guided bomb struck a multi-storey apartment building on Sunday in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, causing a fire and injuring at least 41 people, the region's governor confirmed.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlighted the latest attack as an urgent plea for Ukraine's Western allies to supply weapons and air defense systems, permitting strikes on targets deep inside Russia to protect lives. Oleh Syniehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, reported ongoing rescue operations, with 12 people hospitalized and three in serious condition. It is feared that residents could be trapped beneath the rubble.

Syniehubov shared images showing extensive damage to the building's top floors, with smoke and fire emanating from shattered windows. During his nightly address, Zelenskiy mentioned that three other guided bombs had hit villages in the Kharkiv region, a frequent target of Russian attacks. Russia has denied deliberately targeting civilians despite numerous casualties since its 2022 invasion. Zelenskiy called for swift decisions on long-range strikes to dismantle Russian military aviation bases.

In a firm stance, Zelenskiy commented, 'Every Russian strike, every act of terror proves that long-range capabilities are essential and must be adequate.' He said decisive actions were mainly anticipated from the United States, France, Germany, and Italy. Russian President Putin recently warned that enabling Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western missiles would equate to direct conflict with Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)