Overnight Russian Strikes on Kharkiv Hospital Leave Seven Injured Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russian Attacks Intensify in Kharkiv

Kyiv: In a series of overnight assaults, Russian military forces targeted Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, deploying glide bombs and drones that struck a hospital, resulting in injuries to seven individuals, as reported by local officials on Tuesday. This incident coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's upcoming visit to Washington, where he intends to seek additional military support from US President Donald Trump.

The attack specifically impacted the main hospital in Kharkiv, necessitating the evacuation of 50 patients, according to Oleh Syniehubov, the regional governor. Zelenskyy noted that the primary focus of these strikes was on energy infrastructure, although he did not disclose specific details regarding the damage inflicted.

Zelenskyy highlighted the ongoing threat, stating, "Every day, every night, Russia targets power plants, power lines, and our gas facilities," via a message on Telegram.

These long-range assaults on Ukraine's energy grid are part of a broader strategy initiated by Moscow since its full-scale invasion began in February 2022, aimed at crippling Ukraine's power supply and depriving civilians of essential services like heating and running water during the harsh winter months.

The Ukrainian president has called on international allies to enhance their support by supplying more air defense systems, emphasizing the difficulty of defending such a vast territory from aerial attacks.

"We are relying on the actions of the US, Europe, the G7, and all partners who possess these systems and can provide them to safeguard our citizens," Zelenskyy stated. He urged the global community to compel Moscow to engage in genuine negotiations.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington on Friday, where discussions are anticipated to focus on the potential provision of advanced long-range weaponry to Ukraine.

Trump has indicated that he might consider sending Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move previously avoided by Washington due to concerns about escalating the conflict, which could further strain US-Russia relations.

However, such a decision could serve as leverage to encourage Moscow to enter negotiations, especially after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to compromise on critical elements of a peace agreement.

The introduction of Tomahawk missiles would enhance Ukraine's capacity to retaliate against Russian forces, although Ukrainian officials and foreign military analysts note that Ukraine's existing long-range strikes are already impacting Russian oil production significantly.

Zelenskyy mentioned that these attacks using newly developed long-range missiles and drones are contributing to severe gas shortages in Russia.