At least three people died following a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, according to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky.
A guided aerial bomb hit a residential building in the city, injuring 25 more people, the Associated Press reported. This attack is the latest launched in Russia’s major offensive on Kharkiv, which began in May.
Earlier this month, the Biden administration declared that the Russian advance on Kharkiv was “almost over” after they found the first line of defense of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and turned back their advance.
“Bold decisions are needed from our partners so that we can destroy Russian terrorists and Russian fighter planes wherever they are,” Zelensky he wrote on social platform X after the attack.
The attack comes just over two weeks after President Biden apologized to Zelensky for the delay in U.S. aid to Ukraine and unveiled a $225 million aid package for the country, during the leaders’ last in-person meeting in France to celebrate the 80th birthday of D. -Day.
Congress approved a $95 billion emergency foreign aid package in late April, including $61 billion to help Ukraine after months of fierce fighting. The State Department announced an additional $1 billion package for Ukraine shortly after Biden signed the congressional legislation.
During the interruption of US funding, Russia advanced towards Kharkiv, gaining major territorial advances against the Ukrainians.
Although Russian forces are currently under control of the Ukrainian army north of the city, Zelensky emphasized the desire for protection specifically against attacks from the skies.
“Protection against bombs is also necessary,” he wrote in X.
The White House announced Thursday that it would divert Patriot air defense missile systems contracted to other countries to Ukraine. According to John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, the delivery would provide Ukraine with “sufficient capabilities” for the next 16 months.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
