3 killed and 52 injured by Russia’s attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine retaliates with 33 drones. 

On Saturday, Russian bombs shattered an apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city after Kyiv. The bombardment killed 3 people, and injured 52, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to call for more help in dealing with the escalating threat of such weaponry. In response to the attack, Ukraine sent over 30 drones onto Russia’s western regions, which was reported to have been shot down. 

The attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine

Pictures of the attack that were posted online showed the five-story structure in ruins, with balconies wrecked, windows smashed, and rubble that were scattered all across a crater on the ground. With 3 dead and 52 injured according to prosecutors in Ukraine’s eastern Kharkiv region, Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said four of those who were affected by the attack were in critical condition. Ukraine’s air force commander, Mykola Oleschuk, said that two people were wounded by falling debris when two Russian missiles were shot down by forces overnight.

Reaction to the Attack by Ukraine

In a video address following the attack, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged its allies to help strengthen its air defenses. He said “Modern air defense systems for Ukraine — such as Patriots, accelerated training of our pilots for F-16s, and most importantly, sufficient range for our weapons — are truly necessary,” The Ukrainian President also claimed that Russia had used more than 2400 guided bombs on Ukrainian targets in June alone, with over 700 aimed at Kharkiv. On Telegram, Zelensky wrote “This Russian terror through guided bombs must be stopped and can be stopped.” 

Depletion of Resources

Zelensky claimed that with the help of a big aid package given to Ukraine by the US Congress, post delayed approval, Ukraine’s replenished arms supplies had reduced the impact and frequency of Russian-led missile attacks. He said that the same had to be done about the bombs. A 10-year bilateral security agreement has been signed by the US and Ukraine that was aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russia and enabling Ukraine to become closer to obtaining a NATO membership. 
Russia has been relying heavily on inexpensive guided bombs that are dropped from a distance and fail to pose any significant threat to its own forces. No casualties or damage were reported by Russia following Ukraine’s attack on the country’s western regions of Bryansk, Smolensk, Lipetsk and Tula.