Recent Russian strikes in Ukraine have resulted in the deaths of several civilians, with at least seven people killed in Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city. The attacks have caused significant damage to both residential and educational infrastructure in the region.
One strike on Kharkiv on Saturday afternoon resulted in one fatality and three injuries, including a 66-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl. Additionally, a series of S-300 missile strikes overnight claimed the lives of six individuals and injured 11 others in the city.
Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has been a frequent target of attacks, with President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff identifying it as a potential focus for a Russian spring offensive. Zelensky has called for increased air defenses in the region and urged international partners to provide support in this regard.
Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Odesa, one person was killed by a ballistic missile strike on Saturday. Russian forces also targeted industrial enterprises in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, resulting in casualties from previous attacks.
The ongoing attacks have prompted NATO allies to consider sending air defense systems to Ukraine, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock acknowledging the urgent need for such support in light of the escalating conflict.