In the early hours of Saturday, Russia launched one of the most intense strikes yet on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The attack sadly resulted in at least three deaths. According to Mayor Igor Terekhov, the attack was one of the most intense bombardments since the resumption of all-out hostilities. This escalation reflects how extreme the present day conflict has become. The strike occurred a day after the largest of Moscow’s aerial attacks against Ukraine since the start of the war. That horrible attack was only a night before.
As Mayor Terekhov described, over 40 explosions shook the city just at the height of the assault. The attack involved the use of over 50 drones, four guided aerial bombs, and a missile, showcasing Russia’s escalating military aggression. The strikes caused tremendous destruction. They targeted an administration building, a music conservatory, and even a children’s playground with a miniature train.
Iryna Ivanenko experienced the ultimate nightmare when her 26-year-old daughter became pinned beneath large debris. Then their home was hit, throwing the family into an already desperate situation. Firefighters were able to pull her to safety, but the horrific ordeal has continued to take a toll on their family.
“I tried to lift the slab, but it was impossible.” – Iryna Ivanenko
Turkhanova said that Ruslana Sheveleva, a local civic activist, accounted for chaotic scenes as residents fled from buildings hit amid the assault. She recounted witnessing the tragic death of a young man, stating:
“The house was hit, right where this young man was lying. I don’t think he even understood what was happening. He died instantly. They dug his mother out from under the rubble. His father, as I understand it, managed to get out almost on his own.” – Ruslana Sheveleva
The horrific attack cut short the lives of 11 people and left a 14-year-old girl injured and a one-and-a-half-month-old baby boy among the wounded. According to the reports, the infant suffered from severe “acute stress.” This is yet another reminder of the extreme psychological toll violence can inflict on already vulnerable communities.
Mayor Terekhov expressed deep concerns about the current reality in Kharkiv. He reflected upon the immediate aftermath of those attacks. He said the new wave of strikes with glide bombs killed one and wounded ten civilians.
“Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war. The enemy is striking simultaneously with missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs. This is outright terror against peaceful Kharkiv.” – Igor Terekhov
As the war proceeds with increased violence, Russia has begun the repatriation process of over 6,000 corpses of Ukrainian soldiers. At the same time, against a backdrop of intensive military conflict, Ukraine has charged Russia with playing “dirty games.”
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War addressed the situation regarding prisoners and deceased soldiers, stating:
“Today’s statements by the Russian side do not correspond to reality or to previous agreements on either the exchange of prisoners or the repatriation of bodies.”
This was welcomed by headquarters, which acknowledged that Ukraine had submitted initial relevant comments and was still waiting on Russia to submit more.
“Ukraine has provided relevant comments, and the next step is now awaited from the Russian side.” – Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War
Russian government representatives have warned Ukraine against delaying prisoner exchanges and repatriations for as long as forever.
“The Ukrainian side unexpectedly postponed the transfer of bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war for an indefinite period.” – Vladimir Medinsky
In addition to this battle with basic transparency, Medinsky went on to attack Ukraine’s negotiating team for not appearing at an agreed-upon location for exchange.
Things are about to get dicey. After an especially useful operation in the Kursk direction, Ukraine’s air force managed to down yet another enemy Su-35 fighter. Tensions are rising. Yet, this embarrassing incident serves to underscore Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to protect its airspace from incessant attacks.
