Post by : Meena Ariff

A devastating missile strike hit a multi-storey apartment building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, on Friday, reducing large sections of the residential structure to rubble and causing civilian casualties. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that at least two civilians were killed in the attack, while around 25 others were injured, several of them seriously. The strike added to growing fears among residents as the city continues to face repeated attacks amid the ongoing conflict.

Emergency services arrived at the scene within minutes of the explosion. Rescue teams worked urgently in dangerous conditions, climbing over collapsed concrete slabs, twisted metal, and shattered glass. Using heavy equipment and hand tools, they searched carefully through the debris for residents who may have been trapped inside the damaged building. Ambulances lined the streets nearby as injured victims were rushed to hospitals, where medical staff worked to stabilize those suffering from blast injuries, fractures, and shock.

Footage shared on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising above the neighborhood, while entire sections of the apartment building appeared to have collapsed. Personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, and household items, were scattered across the area. Firefighters were seen extinguishing small fires and reinforcing unstable parts of the structure to prevent further collapses, while medics provided first aid to survivors and comforted displaced residents.

Russian officials denied responsibility for the incident, stating that no missile strike had taken place at the location. They claimed the explosion was caused by the detonation of Ukrainian ammunition stored in the area. Ukrainian authorities rejected this explanation, insisting the destruction was the result of a direct missile strike on a civilian apartment block. Officials emphasized that the building had no military presence and was home to ordinary families.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, has been repeatedly targeted since the war began, with residential neighborhoods frequently coming under fire. The city’s proximity to the Russian border has made it especially vulnerable to attacks, leaving many residents living under constant threat. Local leaders once again appealed to the international community for stronger action to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.

As rescue efforts continued into the evening, officials warned that the casualty toll could rise if more victims were found beneath the rubble. The strike served as another grim reminder of the heavy toll the conflict continues to take on civilian life, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

#Global News