Russia Launches New Strikes on Ukraine as it Mourns 24 Dead
Russia carried out further strikes on Ukraine in retaliation for what it called a deadly Ukrainian attack on the border city of Belgorod. The missile strikes targeted the city of Kharkiv, causing at least 26 injuries. The Ukrainian government reported shooting down 21 out of 49 drones fired during the attacks. These strikes come in the midst of escalating hostilities as the two-year mark of the ongoing conflict approaches.
The attack on Belgorod, which is the deadliest in Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of 24 people, including children, and injured more than 100, according to Russia’s health ministry. Prior to the Belgorod attack, several regions, including Moscow, experienced a swarm of drones. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for or commented on the strike but local media suggests that the strikes were aimed at Russian military targets.
In response to the strikes, Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, came under missile and drone attack. The strikes damaged various civilian infrastructure, including the Kharkiv Palace Hotel and medical clinics. The Ukrainian national police reported that buildings such as apartment complexes and shops were also affected. Russia’s defense ministry claimed that the missile strikes targeted intelligence forces and foreign mercenaries. The attack involved the firing of multiple Iskander ballistic missiles.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting at Russia’s request to discuss the strike on Belgorod. Khaled Khiari, assistant secretary-general in the U.N. Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, condemned the attacks and called for an end to the fighting and bloodshed.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Western states of complicity for their provision of weapons to Ukraine. Russia’s defense ministry vowed that the Belgorod attack would not go unpunished. In the wake of these threats, Russia launched another missile barrage on Ukraine, with Kharkiv as the primary target.
As the conflict continues, both Ukraine and Russia face mounting casualties and damage. The situation remains tense as the war enters its 22nd month, with Russia’s aim of toppling Ukraine’s government within days or weeks still in play.
As the international community closely monitors the developments, the hope for a peaceful resolution remains. However, the recent escalation in hostilities raises concerns about the potential for further violence and the need for urgent diplomacy.
In the face of these devastating attacks, the people of Ukraine and Russia mourn the loss of innocent lives. The priority now must be to prevent further bloodshed and work towards a sustainable peace that will spare civilians from the horrors of war.
