What's happened
On September 21, 2024, Russian airstrikes targeted residential buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine, injuring at least 21 people, including children. This attack follows another strike the previous night that wounded 15. Ukrainian officials report the use of KAB-type aerial glide bombs, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region since the invasion began in February 2022.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Samya Kullab from The Independent, the recent bombings in Kharkiv have left 21 people injured, including an eight-year-old child. Kullab notes that the attacks utilized KAB-type aerial glide bombs, a retrofitted Soviet weapon that has been devastating eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reported that the strikes occurred in the Shevchenkivsky district, damaging multiple residential buildings and prompting evacuations. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov emphasized the need for international support to defend against such attacks, echoing sentiments expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has called for increased military aid from Western allies to counter Russian aggression.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kharkiv has frequently been targeted by airstrikes. The recent escalation in attacks has led to significant civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure, prompting calls for increased military support from Western allies.
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