Russia bombs Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city: civilian victims reported

Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported the explosions in Kharkiv at 03:04 a.m.

According to the mayor, Russian forces targeted densely populated residential and historic areas in central Kharkiv, along with the Saltivskyi district.

"One of the guided bombs hit a 12-storey building in the Saltivskyi district. Several floors were destroyed. There are people under the rubble. There is a fire. A search and rescue operation has been launched," Terekhov wrote.

As of 05:06 a.m., 18 people were reported injured. The number has grown to 22.

"The youngest boy is 3 months old. Five people were hospitalized - 4 women and a civilian man," the statement says.

At 05:34 a.m., the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, said that the number of victims had increased to 24. 

"Medics, rescuers, utilities are working at the site of the impacts, and the Rapid Response Team is already sealing windows in the houses damaged by the shock wave," he said.

At 05:40 a.m., Mayor Terekhov said that the number of wounded had increased to 25. 

Later, Oleh Syniehubov said that five of the wounded were hospitalized, their condition was moderate to light. 30 people were evacuated, including 4 children.

"A block of the building from the 1st to the 3rd floor was partially destroyed. Residential buildings nearby, 5 cars and metro station exits were damaged," he added. 

Syniehubov also said that Russian troops hit an open area in the city center. Historical buildings, public places, and residential buildings were damaged.

"Another hit near a residential area also in the central part of the city. At least 6 multi-storey buildings, shops, trade pavilions, cars, and metro station exits were damaged. Fortunately, there were no casualties," he noted.

Photo: Oleh Syniehubov

Photo: Oleh Syniehubov

Photo: Oleh Syniehubov

Ukrainian Ombudsman's response

Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, responded to the Russian attack on Kharkiv.

"In Kharkiv, as a result of an enemy attack on a high-rise building, people are under the rubble! Several floors have been destroyed. There are many victims, including children! How many more civilians have to die for the world to stop the Russian aggressor?" the Ombudsman said.