Russia kills 10 in Ukraine, including children in missile strike

Russia kills 10 in Ukraine missile strike

A tragic missile strike by Russian forces in Kharkiv, Ukraine, has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including two children. The attack targeted a residential apartment block, causing significant destruction and trapping residents under debris. Emergency crews are still searching for survivors amid the rubble. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the attack, calling it a 'savage strike' and urging international support. The strike is part of a broader assault by Russian forces, which included 29 missiles and 480 drones targeting critical infrastructure nationwide. Ukraine's air defences managed to down 19 missiles and 453 drones. The attack comes as US-brokered peace negotiations remain deadlocked. Zelenskyy visited front-line positions near Druzhkivka, emphasizing the importance of battlefield strength in negotiations. Ukrainian forces have recently regained territory in southern Ukraine, with the Institute for the Study of War noting a 244 square kilometres (94sq miles) recovery since January. Russian forces in the Kharkiv region appear to be regrouping, possibly preparing for a spring offensive. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office has opened a war crimes investigation into the strike, while Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa called it 'another massacre of children by Russians'. The international community is urged to respond to these 'savage strikes' against life and strengthen Ukraine's air defences.