A day of mourning has been declared in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv following devastating bomb attacks carried out by Russian forces. At least eight civilians, including a child, lost their lives in the explosions, while scores of others were injured. The attacks, which involved five guided aerial bombs, struck residential areas and a city park, causing widespread destruction and tragedy.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the bombings took place on Friday and resulted in the death of 14-year-old Sofia, who was tragically playing in a playground when she was killed. A total of six people were killed, and at least 97 others, including 24 children, sustained injuries in the initial attack. The Russian forces targeted ordinary homes and civilian areas, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to condemn the strikes as "horrific" and "cowardly."

In addition to the attack in Kharkiv, further violence unfolded on Saturday when Russian forces struck the Cherkaska Lozova village, also located in Kharkiv. Two more people lost their lives in this attack, including one woman who was in close proximity to the explosion.

Ukrainian President Zelensky wasted no time in holding Russia accountable for these heinous acts, reiterating his plea for military support from Western allies. Zelensky urged countries capable of targeting Russian military aircraft to take decisive action, emphasizing that neutralizing the threat at its source would be the most effective way to prevent future attacks.

Evidence points to the Russian forces utilizing Su-34 fighter jets to carry out the "massive bombardment" in Kharkiv. These Russian jets were launched from the neighboring Belgorod region, making it all the more challenging to intercept the 500-kilogram guided aerial bombs.

The devastating impact of these bombings was evident in the extensive damages caused. According to official reports, apartment buildings, private houses, administrative buildings, educational establishments, shopping facilities, cars, warehouses, and garages were among the structures damaged in the initial attack. The following day, the Russian military employed a guided FAB-500 bomb, damaging approximately 20 houses.

Meanwhile, in the Donetsk region, civilian evacuations continue as Russian forces seek to gain control over the strategically important town of Pokrovsk. The town's accessibility to Kostiantynivka, a vital military center, is crucial for Ukrainian resupply efforts and casualty evacuations. To date, 86 children and their parents have been evacuated from Kostiantynivka and nearby areas due to intensified Russian shelling.

As tensions escalate, retaliatory attacks have also been reported. Ukraine launched attacks across the border into Russia, resulting in casualties and damages in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. In the past 24 hours alone, five people were killed and over 50 others injured in Russia's Belgorod region.

The situation remains dire as both sides continue to engage in aggressive actions and casualties mount. The international community is closely watching the developments in Ukraine, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can be achieved to prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction.