A 14-year-old girl lost her life following a Russian strike on a playground in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. According to the BBC, at least five others were killed, and dozens were injured when the attacks also struck a residential building near the Russian border.
Footage from the scene shows flames and thick black smoke rising from the top of the building as firefighters helped people escape to safety.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his appeals to Ukraine’s international allies to allow strikes on Russian territory to prevent such attacks. The strikes occurred just hours before Zelensky removed the head of Ukraine’s Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk.
This is what Russians just did to building full of families in Kharkiv while the US protects the Russian airfields launching these attacks.
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) August 30, 2024
Several children are already among the many victims. pic.twitter.com/HxOJpzN1Ak
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, is located about 35 kilometers from the Russian border and has been a frequent target since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated on Telegram that at least 59 people were injured, 20 of whom are in serious condition, with some requiring amputation. Nine children were also injured in the attacks.
Further photos showed part of the building’s exterior wall had collapsed, while several cars outside were engulfed in flames. Syniehubov stated that the attacks were launched from Russia’s Belgorod region, which lies just across the border. “Let’s be clear: there were guidance systems on the missiles. We draw a conclusion,” he said.
Russia struck Kharkiv today with UMPB D-30 glide bombs, killing at least six people, including a child, and injuring 59 others, according to local authorities.https://t.co/oUKOxhIkoqhttps://t.co/Q3hJ2Z71ls pic.twitter.com/yyTKYg3lsU
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) August 30, 2024
“These streets are purely parks with large concentrations of civilians. This is a residential area. Once again, it’s mass terrorism against our civilian population.” Zelensky said that Russia targeted “ordinary” people and that the attacks could have been prevented if Ukraine had the capability to destroy Russian military aircraft at their bases. “This is an absolutely legitimate need. There is no logical reason to limit Ukraine’s defense,” he emphasized.
Ukraine’s Western allies have somewhat restricted the use of their weapons for attacks on Russian soil, fearing escalation of the conflict. The UK has allowed the use of many of its military systems for Ukraine to strike Russia but excludes long-range missile systems like Storm Shadow. In May, the US allowed Ukraine to hit targets within Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region and only in response to Russian attacks or preparations for attacks.
However, the US continues to deny permission for deeper strikes into Russian territory. “We need long-range capabilities and full implementation of agreements on Ukraine’s air defense. These are life-saving measures,” Zelensky underscored.
In a post, Volodymyr Zelensky named the deceased girl as Sophia. He said, “Rescue operations continue in Kharkiv at the sites hit by Russian bombs. Tragically, there are dead, including a child—a girl named Sophia, who would have turned 15 this fall.”
He continued, “My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Many others have been injured. Help is being provided to all those affected, and rescuers are doing everything possible to save as many lives as possible. I am grateful to everyone involved in the rescue efforts and to all who support Kharkiv and its residents.”
He also condemned Russia, stating, “These horrific, cowardly Russian strikes targeted ordinary homes and a city park. Russia will be held accountable for all its evil deeds. But the world must remember that the most effective tactic is to prevent evil from acting in the first place. We need decisions—decisions that our partners can make, decisions by countries that have the power to ensure we have the capability to destroy Russian military aircraft at their bases, where eliminating these terrorists and their aircraft will be most effective.”
Reacting to Friday’s attacks, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said, “Our thoughts are with the people of Kharkiv as rescue operations continue. Russia must be held accountable for these war crimes.”
Earlier this week, sources told the BBC that Western technology and funding are helping Ukraine carry out hundreds of long-range attacks in Russia using Ukrainian drones. The targets included air bases, fuel and ammunition depots, and command centers.
