Russian missile strike on Kharkiv kills two, injures dozens amid ongoing conflict
A Russian missile strike on a multi-story residential block in Kharkiv resulted in the deaths of two people, including a three-year-old child, and injured about 28 others. The bodies of a woman and a three-year-old child, believed to be mother and son, were recovered from the rubble. Among the injured, 16 have been hospitalised, including a six-month-old baby. Over 80 volunteers are involved in search and rescue operations as the building was almost completely destroyed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as heinous. Ukraine maintains adherence to international humanitarian law, asserting that it targets only military objectives. Russia denied responsibility for the strike, claiming the explosion was caused by detonating Ukrainian ammunition and shared video footage showing smoke of unknown origin.
Russia's Investigative Committee has opened an investigation into the attack, while the Russian foreign ministry accused President Zelensky of intimidating populations in regions recently reunified with Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is preparing to host crucial talks in Kyiv on Saturday. These talks will involve around 15 countries, representatives from the EU and NATO, and a US delegation participating via video. Additionally, a coalition leaders' meeting is scheduled to take place in France on 6 January.
