A 14-year-old girl was among the victims killed when Russian missile strikes devastated a playground and residential areas in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
As local officials report at least five dead and dozens more injured, President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his pleas for the international community to allow Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia to prevent further civilian casualties.
The strikes occurred just hours before Zelensky dismissed the head of Ukraine’s air force, underscoring the growing pressure on the nation’s leadership to protect its citizens.
As the smoke cleared over Kharkiv, the grief-stricken city, already battered by frequent attacks since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, once again called the world’s attention to the devastating human toll of the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky’s urgent appeals for advanced military capabilities, including long-range missiles and comprehensive air defense systems, continue to face hesitation from Western allies, who fear further escalation. Meanwhile, the anguish in Kharkiv serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved.
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