Summary
Russia conducted a series of strikes on high-rise apartment buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday night, injuring at least 21 people, including an 8-year-old child. This attack marks the second consecutive night of bombardments in the city, which has been a frequent target since the onset of the war in February 2022. Ukrainian officials reported that 18 buildings were damaged in the strikes, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to call for increased military support from Western allies.
The recent attacks in Kharkiv occurred in the Shevchenkivsky district, north of the city center, and involved the use of KAB-type aerial glide bombs, a Soviet-era weapon. Following the strikes, authorities evacuated approximately 60 residents from a directly hit high-rise building. President Zelensky condemned the attacks and emphasized the need for enhanced long-range capabilities to protect civilians and ensure safety. He is currently seeking further military assistance from allies, including advanced fighter jets, as Ukrainian forces continue to face intensified assaults from Russian military operations across various regions.
Context of Ongoing Conflict
Kharkiv has been subjected to consistent Russian attacks since the beginning of the invasion, with the city experiencing significant damage and civilian casualties. On the night preceding the recent strikes, additional airstrikes injured 15 people, including children, across three neighborhoods in Kharkiv. This pattern of attacks underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the urgent humanitarian needs arising from the conflict.
Broader Military Activity
In addition to the strikes in Kharkiv, Russia launched a significant aerial assault involving 80 Shahed drones and two missiles, of which Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted 71. Other regions in Ukraine, such as Nikopol and Sloviansk, also faced attacks, resulting in further casualties and damage. The situation remains dire, with Ukrainian officials reporting increased evacuations in areas close to the Russian border due to intensified shelling.
International Response
Zelensky’s appeal for military support comes at a crucial time as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defenses against ongoing Russian aggression. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced discussions with European partners to acquire advanced military aircraft, including Swedish Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon jets, while commitments for U.S.-made F-16s and French Mirages are already in place. This request for assistance highlights the strategic importance of international military support in the ongoing conflict.
21 wounded in Russian strikes that hit apartment buildings in Ukrainian city of Kharkiv
Sep. 23 / Gazette “ KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia launched new strikes in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv that hit high-rise apartment buildings, leaving at least 21 wounded in a...
Russia launches nighttime strike on apartment buildings in Ukrainian city, wounding 21
Sep. 22 / New York Post “ KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched new strikes in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv that hit high-rise apartment buildings, leaving at least 21 wounded in a second...
21 wounded when Russia strikes apartment buildings in Ukrainian city of Kharkiv
Sep. 22 / L.a. Times “ Russia launched new strikes in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv that hit high-rise apartment buildings, leaving at least 21 wounded in a second consecutive...