On Friday, a devastating attack hit Kharkiv, Ukraine's northeastern city, as a Russian guided bomb struck a high-rise residential building and a nearby playground. The assault resulted in the deaths of seven people, including a 14-year-old girl, and injured at least 77 others. The 12-storey apartment block caught fire from the blast, and the death toll rose when emergency services recovered additional bodies from the rubble. The attack has intensified the ongoing conflict, which has already claimed numerous lives and caused extensive destruction over the past two-and-a-half years.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that around 20 injured individuals are in severe condition. Emergency services and rescue volunteers worked tirelessly to assist survivors, who were seen in shock and covered in blood outside the building. The incident underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Kharkiv, which has been a major target of Russian bombings throughout the war.

Use of Glide Bombs

The attack involved "glide bombs", advanced munitions with navigation systems that are difficult to intercept. These bombs have become a significant threat in the conflict, adding to the already severe impact of the war on Ukraine. Ukraine accused Russia of using five of these glide bombs during the attack, marking a concerning escalation in the conflict's tactics.

In response to the escalating violence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his call for long-range Western weapons. Zelenskyy argued that if Ukraine had the capability to strike Russian military air bases, the recent attacks might have been prevented. He urged Western allies to remove restrictions on Ukraine's defense capabilities to bolster its ability to counter Russian aggression effectively.

India's Position on the Conflict

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India's commitment to constructive engagement and practical solutions for conflict resolution. Jaiswal emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ukraine aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate discussions on achieving a negotiated settlement. India continues to advocate for a balanced approach to peace while engaging with all stakeholders.

Russia's Recent Military Actions

Russia has escalated its military operations, conducting a series of heavy aerial attacks on Ukrainian targets. On Thursday, Russia launched its third major attack in four days, using five missiles and 74 Shahed drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant portion of these attacks, but the strikes caused minor damage to civilian infrastructure. This follows previous intense bombardments, including over 200 missiles and drones fired at Kyiv and another attack involving 81 missiles and drones, resulting in several fatalities.

The ongoing conflict has seen high-profile incidents, such as the recent crash of a US-based F-16 fighter jet that killed a top Ukrainian pilot. The continuous escalation highlights the urgent need for international diplomatic efforts to address the crisis and seek a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

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