War on the Periphery: Russia’s Unrelenting Assault on Ukraine
The Most Powerful Attack on Ukraine Since the Start of the War
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, has been hit with its most powerful attack since the start of the full-scale war, leaving a trail of destruction and death in its wake. The city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, described the attack as “the most powerful” in a Telegram message early on Saturday morning.
Dozens of Explosions Rocked the City
The attack, which was carried out by Russian troops using missiles, drones, and guided aerial bombs, left dozens of people injured, including two children. A one-and-a-half-month-old baby was reportedly among those affected. The city’s residents were woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of explosions, as Russian troops launched a coordinated attack on multiple targets.
Infrastructure and Educational Facilities Targeted
Multi-storey buildings, private residential homes, educational facilities, and infrastructure installations were all targeted by the Russian attack. The city’s mayor said that 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four aerial glide bombs were used in the attack. This level of coordination and precision suggests a significant escalation in Russia’s military operations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Calls for “More Pressure on Moscow”
The Ukrainian foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, has called for “more pressure” on Russia to be applied as the country continues its terror against civilians. At least three people were killed in the attack, with 21 injured. The Russian defence ministry said that it had downed 36 Ukrainian drones fired at its territory.
A New Low in the Conflict
The scale of this attack raises serious questions about Russia’s strategy and its willingness to engage in civilian casualties. As Ukraine prepares for a prisoner swap with Russia, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. Will the world be able to put enough pressure on Moscow to bring an end to this conflict?
Other Devastating Attacks Across Ukraine
The attacks on Kharkiv are not isolated incidents – other cities across Ukraine have also been targeted in recent days. The southern city of Kherson saw Russian shelling kill a couple, while the northern city of Chernihiv was hit with multiple strikes. Eighty people were injured in attacks across Ukraine on Friday.
A Desperate Need for Peace
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has caused immeasurable suffering and damage to civilians. It is imperative that world leaders take action to bring an end to this conflict, through diplomacy and international pressure. The fate of innocent civilians like the one-and-a-half-month-old baby who was injured in the attack on Kharkiv hangs in the balance – what will the world do next?