A Russian glide bomb struck a five-story apartment block in Kharkiv on Thursday, injuring at least 12 people, including a 3-year-old girl, Ukrainian officials said.
The bomb hit between the third and fourth floors, igniting a fire, according to local officials. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has frequently faced aerial attacks throughout the ongoing war against Russia, now in its third year.
The increasing use of glide bombs, launched from Russian aircraft within Russia, has terrorized civilians and overwhelmed the Ukrainian military's front-line defenses.
These weapons played a crucial role in Russia's recent capture of the tactically significant town of Vuhledar, where Russian forces are wreaking destruction in the eastern region, forcing Ukrainian troops to withdraw from battered towns.
During a news conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for increased military support from Western allies by stating that the latest Kharkiv attack highlights the urgent need for increased support from Ukraine's Western allies.
As Zelensky addressed the media, NATO's newly appointed Secretary-General Mark Rutte was visiting Ukraine for the first time since taking office. Rutte met with Zelensky in Kyiv as air raid sirens sounded twice, underscoring the perilous situation on the ground. He vowed to bolster Western support for Ukraine, which has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion since February 2022.
Rutte expressed confidence in working with whoever is elected president of the United States in November, as that election could significantly impact Ukraine's access to ongoing Western assistance. During their meeting, Zelensky discussed the elements of Ukraine's so-called victory plan, ahead of a NATO meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany next week. This gathering will unite defense leaders from over 50 partner nations to coordinate weapons aid.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's urgent need for additional armaments, particularly long-range weapons. He noted concerns that the conflict in the Middle East might affect the timeline for his victory plan.
"Of course, we want Ukraine to not be forgotten. But the best way not to forget about Ukraine is to provide the appropriate weapons and the necessary permissions," he said. "And to help shoot down … the same Iranian missiles or drones, just as they are shot down over Israel."
Rutte reaffirmed NATO's unwavering support, insisting that "Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before." He highlighted recent steps taken by the alliance, which included 40 billion euros ($44 billion) in funding assistance and the formation of a new NATO command to coordinate training and assistance for Ukraine.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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