Russian Forces Strike Kharkiv: Intensified Conflict Leaves Dozens Wounded

Russian forces struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, wounding 21 people and causing evacuations. Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed the attack was from a guided bomb. President Zelenskiy reiterated his plea for more weapons from Western allies. Additional attacks occurred in Nikopol, Kurakhove, and Shostka, causing further casualties and damage.

In a significant escalation, Russian forces targeted a multi-storey apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, on Saturday evening, injuring 21 people and leading to the evacuation of several residents, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

Kharkiv, located just 30 km (18 miles) from the Russian border, has been a frequent target since Moscow's invasion began in February 2022. Terekhov reported on the Telegram app that the attack involved a guided bomb and resulted in the evacuation of 60 residents. Among the injured were an 8-year-old and two 17-year-olds.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the strike and reiterated his call for more weapons from Western allies. 'Ukraine needs full long-range capabilities, and we are working to convince our partners of this,' he stated on social media.

Further south, a Russian drone strike killed two people in Nikopol, according to the regional governor. In Kurakhove, a focal point of the Russian advance through the Donetsk region, a person was killed in an artillery strike. Local authorities in the Sumy region also reported that Russian aircraft struck energy infrastructure in Shostka, an area frequently targeted by Russian attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)