Three killed in Russian strike on Kharkiv apartment

In a devastating assault, Russian forces struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuring 31 others, according to local authorities. This incident is part of a broader wave of strikes that impacted four districts in the city on Tuesday, employing guided glide bombs.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, highlighting that the targets included not just residential buildings, but also everyday establishments such as a bakery and a stadium. “These strikes hit the ordinary life of ordinary people,” he stated, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the violence.

The attack comes amid escalating hostilities in eastern Ukraine, particularly as Russian troops intensify their encirclement of Vuhledar, a town largely devastated by conflict. Shortly after the strike in Kharkiv, Zelensky shared images of the damaged apartment block, which revealed a significant hole where the bombs had impacted.

Zelensky, who was in New York for the UN General Assembly, called for international support to “stop the terror.” In his address, he underscored the urgency of timely military assistance from the United States. “There is much discussion at the UN about collective efforts for security and the future. But we just need to stop the terror. To have security. To have a future,” he asserted.

Local officials noted that the apartment block had previously been targeted at the beginning of the war but had undergone repairs, including new windows and insulation, in preparation for the heating season. Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekov, remarked on the repeated nature of the assault, stating, “The enemy hit it a second time with a KAB [glide bomb].”

In recent months, Russia has increasingly utilized glide bombs—Soviet-era munitions enhanced with wings and satellite navigation. These weapons are not only cost-effective but also highly destructive, playing a significant role in Russia’s ongoing military strategy to gain ground in Ukraine. They were previously deployed in May during attacks on Kharkiv and were noted for their use in Zaporizhzhia city as well.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russia conducted seven airstrikes using KAB glide bombs, resulting in injuries to at least 21 civilians across 13 residential buildings and two educational institutions. In a separate attack on Monday night, another strike in Zaporizhzhia killed one person and injured four others, including two children.

As Russian forces make notable gains in eastern Ukraine, they are advancing towards Vuhledar, a coal-mining town central to the southern front of the Donbas region. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Russian troops have aimed to capture Vuhledar, and recent reports from military bloggers indicated that they had reached the outskirts of the town.

The Ukrainian military has acknowledged ongoing attempts by Russian forces to capture their positions in Vuhledar, but the situation remains fluid. The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, reported recent advancements by Russian troops near Hlyboke, Kupyansk, and Pokrovsk, while also noting Ukrainian progress in the Kursk region.

This latest round of violence underscores the tragic toll of the conflict, affecting innocent civilians in their homes. As the situation evolves, the call for international support and intervention remains crucial in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and restoring peace in the region.