Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv accuses Russia of war crime after attack on military hospital in Kharkiv

Russian Drone Attacks Target Kharkiv, Ukraine, Civilian and Military Sites Hit

Kharkiv, Ukraine – Russian drones conducted strikes late Saturday on multiple targets within Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The aerial bombardment impacted a military medical facility, a shopping center, residential apartment buildings, and other locations, resulting in two fatalities and at least 25 injuries, according to local officials and the Ukrainian military. This attack is part of a series of escalating confrontations in the ongoing conflict.

Details of the Kharkiv Attack

The Ukrainian military’s general staff reported via the Telegram messaging app that the wounded included servicemen receiving treatment at the targeted medical center. The military command strongly condemned the assault, labeling it a “war crime” and a “violation of international humanitarian law,” specifically citing the “deliberate, targeted shelling” of a protected medical facility. Oleh Syniehubov, the regional governor, confirmed 25 individuals were injured in the Kharkiv strikes, including a 15-year-old girl who remains in critical condition.

Zelenskyy Calls for Stronger Western Response to Russian Drone Warfare

Hours before the Kharkiv assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly stated Ukraine’s expectation of a firm response from Western nations to the increasingly frequent Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian territory. These remarks followed prior drone strikes on Dnipro in southeastern Ukraine, which killed four individuals, and Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine, where nine others sustained injuries.

Ukraine Seeks Decisive Action from International Partners

“We expect a response, a serious response. We are working to ensure there is a strong reaction, especially from America, Europe and all those in the world who rely on diplomacy,” Zelenskyy asserted. He criticized Russia’s reaction to US-brokered ceasefire proposals as “inadequate for too long” and reiterated the urgent need to pressure Moscow into engaging in meaningful peace negotiations. Zelenskyy highlighted the extensive scale of recent Russian drone operations.

Extensive Overnight Drone Offensive Across Ukraine

President Zelenskyy further reported that Russia launched over 170 drones into Ukraine overnight, targeting various regions including Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi. He emphasized ongoing Ukrainian efforts to defend against Russian advances in key northeastern regions.

Ukraine Takes Action to Counter Russian Pressure

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is “maintaining active measures” aimed at preventing Russian forces from advancing further into the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. He also indicated that Ukrainian forces have undertaken “certain steps” within Russian territory, beyond the Kursk region, with the objective of reducing pressure on Ukrainian troops in the area and disrupting Russian military operations.

Russia Claims Capture of Villages Amid Ceasefire Stalemates

Amidst stalled ceasefire discussions, Russia announced on Saturday the capture of two villages in eastern and southern Ukraine, signaling a continued push in its military campaign. The Russian defense ministry declared that its forces had seized control of Shchebraki in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and Panteleimonivka in the eastern Donetsk region.

Conflicting Reports and Unverified Claims

Russian state news agency Tass, citing the defense ministry, also reported the capture of Veselivka, a settlement in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region. Independent verification of these Russian claims by international news organizations like Reuters has not been possible. The claims come as both sides accuse each other of violating agreements.

Accusations of Energy Infrastructure Attacks Emerge

Russia’s defense ministry on Saturday accused Ukraine of conducting attacks on Russian energy infrastructure facilities within the past 24 hours. This accusation comes despite a previously declared moratorium on both sides targeting each other’s critical energy infrastructure.

Power Outages Reported in Belgorod Region

The ministry alleged that Ukrainian attacks on power grids in the Belgorod region caused power outages for approximately 9,000 residents. Reuters was unable to immediately verify these claims. The mutual accusations highlight the fragility of any agreements and the continued intensity of the conflict.

Analysts Anticipate New Russian Military Offensive

According to Ukrainian government and military analysts who spoke with The Associated Press, Russian forces are reportedly preparing for a new military offensive in the coming weeks. This anticipated escalation is assessed as an effort to maximize pressure on Ukraine and strengthen the Kremlin’s position in potential ceasefire negotiations.

Concerns Over Prolonged Conflict and Territorial Ambitions

Ukrainian officials suggest this offensive may serve to give Vladimir Putin further justification to delay meaningful ceasefire talks, potentially prioritizing territorial gains over de-escalation. Ukrainian leaders have consistently expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s commitment to genuine dialogue aimed at ending the war. Zelenskyy himself stated during a recent visit to Paris, “They’re dragging out the talks and trying to get the US stuck in endless and pointless discussions about fake ‘conditions’ just to buy time and then try to grab more land.” This assessment was reportedly corroborated by two G7 diplomatic officials in Kyiv, indicating a shared concern about Russia’s strategic intentions and the prospects for near-term peace.