Russian missiles struck Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, killing at least seven civilians and injuring another sixteen people in the latest wave of attacks. The assault comes as Moscow forces continue to capture villages around the city, intensifying the cross-border offensive against Ukrainian troops.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as “extremely brutal,” highlighting the vulnerability of Ukraine’s air defenses. The city of Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has become a key battleground as Moscow’s troops aim to gain artillery range.
The ongoing push by Russian forces marks Ukraine’s biggest test since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, putting immense pressure on the outnumbered and poorly armed Ukrainian military along the 1,000-kilometer front line. The attacks have targeted not only military positions but also critical infrastructure like the power grid and civilian areas.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized the urgent need for more US-made Patriot systems to defend against the Russian aggression. While Germany has pledged one system, Kuleba stressed the importance of acquiring six more to ensure Ukraine’s survival and peace in Europe.
President Zelenskyy identified Kharkiv and the neighboring Donetsk region as the main hotspots of recent fighting, with Russian forces claiming control of the Donetsk settlement of Andriivka. The situation remains volatile, with conflicting reports of advances in other areas of Donetsk.
As the conflict escalates, the international community closely monitors the developments, with Euronews unable to independently verify the claims made by the Kremlin.