In the past few days, the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine has been under relentless attack from Russian forces. According to various reports, at least 15 people have been injured and one person killed as a result of these attacks. The intensity of Russian bombardment on Kharkiv has increased significantly in recent weeks.
On May 4, at least six people were injured in a Russian missile strike on the Industrial district of Kharkiv. Four women and two men were among the injured, aged between 18 and 39. An explosion was heard before an air raid alert had sounded, suggesting it was a ballistic missile that struck the city.
The same day, Russian forces shelled civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv, resulting in more casualties. The city's Mayor, Ihor Terekhov reported an explosion in the city and Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration confirmed that there were casualties.
The Russian army has been shelling nearly 16 settlements in Kharkiv region over the past day. The attacks have resulted in power outages, water supply interruptions, and heating supply interruptions. Trams have been halted and public transportation disrupted due to air raids.
The situation is particularly dire for civilians living near the frontline towns such as Ocheretyne. A 98-year-old woman named Lidia Stepanivna Lomikovska was among those affected by the attacks in Kharkiv. She lives in a building that has been damaged and is now without electricity, water, or heating.
The Ukrainian military has been trying to defend against these attacks with the help of international allies. The United States has significantly accelerated deliveries of weaponry to Ukraine, including high-end air defense systems such as Patriot missiles. Poland and other countries with Patriot missile systems have been encouraged to donate them to Ukraine.
Despite these efforts, Russian strikes continue unabated. Kharkiv residents remain anxious and distressed as they face the daily threat of air raids and the destruction of their civilian infrastructure.
