The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has escalated with Russian forces launching missile strikes on the central city of Kharkiv. On April 7, the city was targeted, resulting in at least one person being wounded and multiple sites being hit across different districts. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that a private house was among the attacked sites, but did not provide details on other locations that were hit. The scale and aftermath of the attacks are still being assessed, as the city faces increasing suffering from ongoing Russian aggression.
In addition to the recent missile strikes, Kharkiv has been targeted by Russian drones overnight and experienced a so-called double-tap attack on April 6. This tactic involved luring emergency workers to the scene after an initial attack and then launching another strike as the rescue operation began. Seven people were killed and 11 were wounded in the April 6 incident, with reports indicating that Russia used Soviet-era S-300 missiles in the attack. The ongoing assaults have resulted in significant destruction in Kharkiv, with major energy infrastructure being damaged or destroyed.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov revealed that Russian attacks had destroyed “almost all” critical energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, including a thermal power plant and all electrical substations. This has left the city with limited access to electricity, impacting the daily lives of residents. The destruction of key infrastructure has also affected transportation services, with the Kharkiv metro briefly suspending operations on all its 30 stations. Despite the challenges faced, efforts are being made to resume essential services and restore normalcy in the city.
The attacks on Kharkiv have had a devastating impact on the city, with more than 20,000 buildings being destroyed since the conflict began on February 24, 2022. The ongoing violence and destruction have resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with many residents facing displacement and limited access to essential services. The situation in Kharkiv highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid and support to assist those affected by the conflict and ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s population.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, support for independent journalism in the region is crucial to ensure accurate reporting and coverage of the situation on the ground. By joining the fight for independent journalism in Ukraine, individuals can contribute to raising awareness about the ongoing conflict, providing vital information to the international community, and supporting the people of Ukraine during this challenging time. Through collective efforts and solidarity, we can help make a positive impact and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they face this crisis.
