KYIV – Russia has initiated new strikes against Ukraine, targeting the northeastern city of Kharkiv with Iranian-made “Shahed” drones, according to local authorities.
The attacks come in the aftermath of a deadly assault on the Russian city of Belgorod, which Moscow referred to as a “terrorist attack.”
The ongoing conflict has witnessed both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian areas along their shared frontier.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported the impact of the drone strikes on the city, stating, “As a result of the night attack of Russian drones on Kharkiv, buildings in the city centre were damaged. These are not military facilities, but cafes, residential buildings and offices.”
The strike on Kharkiv follows a devastating attack on Belgorod, resulting in at least 22 casualties, including three children, and over a hundred injuries.
Moscow alleged that Kyiv used cluster munitions in the attack, targeting civilian facilities such as a sports centre, an ice rink, and a university.
The Russian envoy to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, described it as a “deliberate, indiscriminate attack against a civilian target.”
In response to the accusations, British envoy to the UN Thomas Phipps placed the responsibility on Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine two years ago, stating, “If Russia wants someone to blame for the deaths of Russians in this war, it should start with President Putin.”
As the conflict approaches its second anniversary in February, both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to deliver New Year’s Eve speeches on Sunday.
The attack on Belgorod occurred a day after Ukraine reported a series of Russian missile strikes that killed at least 40 people, including a barrage on several cities, including the capital.
The aftermath of the attacks revealed extensive damage to schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.
Ukraine has appealed to its Western allies for continued military support amid the sustained Russian assaults.
In response, Britain has announced sending hundreds more air-defence missiles to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a New Year’s Eve address, expressed gratitude to leaders supporting Ukraine and pledged to fight for justice, emphasizing the need for global decisions in the coming year.
January 1 will be declared a day of mourning in Kyiv, where at least 17 people lost their lives in the recent attacks, city officials announced.
The United Nations condemned the attacks, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities.
