In a tragic development, a missile strike reportedly conducted by Russian forces has resulted in casualties in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. According to regional Governor Oleg Synegubov, three people have lost their lives, and at least 16 others have been wounded, including an emergency medic, in the early hours of Friday morning. The strike also damaged an ambulance, exacerbating the challenges faced by rescue workers.

Mayor Igor Terekhov expressed concerns about the possibility of more individuals being trapped under the rubble of a residential building targeted in the attack. He emphasized that there were no military personnel or installations present in the area.

Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has frequently come under attack from Russian missiles, with recent strikes causing significant loss of life and damage to property. Last weekend, a hardware superstore was hit, resulting in the deaths of 16 people.

The United States has announced a significant policy shift in response to the escalating conflict. President Joe Biden has authorized the use of American-supplied weapons by Ukraine to defend the Kharkiv region against Russian aggression. This decision marks a departure from previous reluctance to permit such actions over concerns about escalating tensions with Moscow.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently visited Ukraine, acknowledged the evolving nature of the conflict and signaled the need for adaptation. He emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with the means to counter Russian attacks effectively.

Meanwhile, NATO allies have been urged to reconsider restrictions on strikes inside Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for allowing Ukraine to target bases used by Russian forces to launch attacks, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has emphasized the importance of acting within international law.

Despite international efforts to de-escalate the situation, the Kremlin has accused Western powers of exacerbating tensions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized what he described as provocations aimed at prolonging the conflict, signaling ongoing challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution.

END/V7N/SMA/DK/