A Russian airstrike targeted a residential apartment block in Kharkiv, north-eastern Ukraine, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and injuring 31 more, according to local officials. The attack was part of a series of strikes that hit four districts in the city, utilizing guided glide bombs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, stating, “The targets for Russian bombs are a residential building, a bakery, a stadium… that is, the ordinary life of ordinary people.” He shared images of the destroyed building, showing a massive hole in the middle, and called on international allies to “stop the terror.”
The incident coincides with heightened fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces are closing in on the heavily damaged town of Vuhledar. This attack marks the second time this particular Kharkiv building has been targeted since the start of the war. “It was almost repaired, all the windows were put in, insulated, and prepared for the heating season. The enemy hit it a second time with a KAB [glide bomb],” said Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekov.
Glide bombs, Soviet-era munitions upgraded with wings and satellite navigation, have been increasingly used by Russia in recent months. These bombs are known for being cost-effective yet highly destructive. They have played a significant role in Russia’s push to capture more ground in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Russia conducted seven airstrikes using KAB glide bombs, impacting 13 residential buildings and two educational facilities, leaving 21 civilians injured. Additionally, Zaporizhzhia city officials reported another strike on Monday night, resulting in one fatality and injuries to at least four others, including two children.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have made significant advances in Ukraine’s east, nearing Vuhledar—a key coal-mining town on the southern Donbas front line. Russian military bloggers have claimed that Moscow’s troops have entered the outskirts of Vuhledar, while Ukrainian forces report ongoing efforts to defend their positions.
As the conflict escalates, Zelensky continues to seek international support. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, he emphasized the need for timely military assistance and collective security efforts, urging global leaders to help “stop the terror.”