Russian missiles and rockets have hit the the cultural heart of Ukraine’s second city in what officials said was a deadly and “barbaric” attack.
An opera house, concert hall and government offices were hit in Freedom Square, in the centre of the north-eastern city, Kharkiv.
At least 20 people, including a child were injured, but authorities are still trying to clarify if anyone was killed.
The attack came as Ukraine’s president said Russia was committing war crimes.
Russian forces have today cruelly targeted Kharkiv with artillery fire,” Mr Zelensky said. “This is a peaceful place, peaceful suburbs… The Russians knew where they were shooting…,” he said.
Kharkiv has been bombed heavily for days now. Ukraine’s government accuses Russia of trying to lay siege to Kharkiv and other cities, including the capital Kyiv, where a huge Russian armoured convoy is approaching.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the world must do more to punish Russia for the “barbaric” attack on Freedom Square and residential neighbourhoods, accusing the Russian President Vladimir Putin of committing “more war crimes out of fury, murders innocent civilians”.
The sixth day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen continued attacks on several fronts, but the Russian advance has reportedly been slowed by Ukrainian resistance.
BBC