7 killed, including family of 5, in Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine

Among the victims were a young family of five who "burned alive" in their home, according to local officials.

Regional deputy police chief Serhiy Blovinov described scenes of horror, stating that among the victims were two parents and their three young boys who tragically perished in their burning home during the Friday night assault.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov lamented the extensive damage caused by the attack, with 15 private residences completely consumed by flames. He condemned the aggression, emphasizing President Volodymyr Zelensky's commitment to a "just response" against Russian "terror."

President Zelensky mourned the loss of the three children, aged 7, 4, and 7 months, and promised resolute action in the face of the tragedy.

In addition to the family, an elderly couple succumbed to the flames in another house on the same street, according to Mayor Terekhov, who vowed resilience against Russian aggression despite the devastation.

The attack left 57 local residents homeless and deprived of essential belongings, Mayor Terekhov noted, underscoring the catastrophic impact of Russian aggression on civilian populations.

Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city located near the Russian border, has witnessed relentless assaults in recent days, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine's southern city of Odesa, another Russian drone attack left one person injured on Friday night.

Despite these reports, Russia's military has not issued any public statements regarding the attacks.

Kharkiv, situated near the Russian border, has endured relentless attacks throughout the war. This latest atrocity comes just days after another deadly Russian strike. It serves as a grim reminder of the precarious reality faced by Ukrainians, particularly those living in frontline cities.

As the world condemns the attack and offers condolences to the victims' families, the international community faces renewed pressure to hold Russia accountable for its actions. With the one-year anniversary of the invasion approaching, concerns deepen about the future trajectory of the conflict and the human cost it continues to inflict.

This latest tragedy in Kharkiv underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine-Russia war. The lives lost and the suffering inflicted demand immediate action and unwavering support for the Ukrainian people in their quest for peace and justice. (ILKHA)