Late Friday night, a mass drone strike by Russia hit Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The attack targeted a residential high-rise, igniting fires and leaving at least 46 people injured, including an 11-year-old child. The assault, which impacted multiple areas across the city, highlights the ongoing threat civilians face amid the ongoing conflict.

According to Mayor Ihor Terekhov, Russian drones struck 12 locations in four central districts of the city. Kharkiv, situated just 30 kilometers from Ukraine’s northeastern border, has endured relentless aerial assaults since the war began. Emergency services worked overnight to handle the aftermath, with concerns about further strikes lingering.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the drone attacks, calling on international allies to expedite support for Ukraine’s air defense systems. “There were no military targets here,” Zelenskyy stated. “Russia strikes homes when families are together, turning nights into horrors.” Zelenskyy’s plea underscores the urgency for faster decision-making from countries like the U.S. and Europe to prevent further loss of civilian lives.

The attack on Kharkiv also damaged a house, adding to the destruction. Meanwhile, in southeastern Ukraine’s Nikopol region, four people were injured during a combined drone and artillery strike. In the Kherson region, a man tragically died when a fallen drone detonated as he attempted to move it.

Despite repeated civilian casualties, Russia denies deliberately targeting non-combatants. The war, which escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022, has already claimed thousands of lives.

The attack on Kharkiv serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of war. It highlights the pressing need for global support to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and protect its people. As the conflict continues, the international community faces growing pressure to respond decisively.