Russian strike on Kharkiv hits residential building leaving 3 dead, dozens wounded

At least three people are dead following a Russian airstrike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, according to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky. 

A guided aerial bomb hit a residential building in the city, injuring an additional 25 people, The Associated Press reported. This strike is the latest attack launched in Russia’s major offensive on Kharkiv, which began in May.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration declared that the Russian advance on Kharkiv was “all but over” after they encountered the first line of the Ukrainian Armed Forces defense and pulled back their advance.

“Bold decisions from our partners are needed so that we can destroy Russian terrorists and Russian combat aircraft where they are,” Zelensky wrote on social platform X in the wake of the attack.

The attack comes just over two weeks after President Biden apologized to Zelensky for a delay in U.S. aid to Ukraine and unveiled a $225 million aid package to the country, during the leaders’ last in-person meeting in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Congress passed a $95 billion emergency foreign aid package in late April, including $61 billion to aid Ukraine, after months of bitter fighting. The State Department announced an additional $1 billion package for Ukraine shortly after Biden signed the congressional legislation.

During the U.S. funding break, Russia pushed towards Kharkiv, winning major territorial advances against the Ukrainians. 

While Russian forces are currently held by the Ukrainian army north of the city, Zelensky emphasized a desire for protection specifically against attacks from the skies. 

“Protection against bombs is required as well,” he wrote on X.

The White House announced Thursday that it would divert air defense Patriot missile systems contracted for other countries to Ukraine. According to John Kirby, the White House national security communication advisor the delivery would provide Ukraine with “enough capabilities” over the next 16 months.