Russia has bombed an apartment building in the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine, killing three people and injuring 31 others. The attack, which also targeted other residential areas, was carried out using guided glide bombs on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating that the targets were ordinary places where ordinary people live. He called on allies to help stop the terror and ensure the safety of Ukrainian citizens. Zelensky is currently in New York to address the UN General Assembly and has reiterated the need for timely military assistance from the US.
The attack in Kharkiv comes as fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine, with Russian troops closing in on the town of Vuhledar, which has already been largely destroyed. Shortly after the bombing, Zelensky shared pictures of the destroyed residential tower and called for an end to the terror. He stated that while there is much discussion at the UN about collective security and the future, the priority should be to stop the attacks and ensure the safety of Ukrainian citizens.
According to officials in Kharkiv, Russia has conducted airstrikes in at least four districts of the city, with the targeted apartment building having been previously struck at the beginning of the war. The mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekov, stated that the building had been almost repaired before being hit again by a glide bomb. These bombs, which are Soviet-era bombs fitted with wings and satellite navigation aids, have been increasingly used by Russia in recent months. They are cheap and destructive, and have been key in Russia’s efforts to capture more territory in Ukraine.
In addition to the attack in Kharkiv, Russian forces have also conducted airstrikes in the city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring 21 civilians and damaging multiple residential and educational buildings. One person was killed and four others, including two children, were injured in another strike in Zaporizhzhia on Monday night. Russian forces have also made significant advances in eastern Ukraine, with reports of them entering the outskirts of the town of Vuhledar. The Ukrainian military has reported multiple attempts by Russian forces to capture their positions in the town. Russian troops have also recently advanced near the towns of Hlyboke and Kupya.