In a devastating attack, at least seven people have been killed and over a dozen injured in a missile strike by Russia on the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine. The regional head, Oleg Sinegubov, confirmed the casualties and revealed that two individuals remain missing following the barrage of 15 missiles launched by Russian forces.

As a result of the attack, Ukraine's state railway company reported damage to several facilities and revealed that some employees had been injured. The strike on Kharkiv comes as part of a renewed offensive by Russian forces in the region, aimed at breaching the weakened Ukrainian front line.

According to Mr. Sinegubov, ongoing fighting near the towns of Pletenivka and Vovchansk indicates that Ukraine's forces are currently in control. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern over Russia's relentless assault, stating that the attacks on Kharkiv highlight Ukraine's lack of air defenses. Delayed supplies of US-made surface-to-air missile systems have exacerbated the situation, as Congress only recently approved a multi-billion dollar aid package for Ukraine.

President Zelensky has been urging his allies for additional air defense missiles and modern fighter jets to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. The conflict in the region has displaced approximately 14,000 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO's Jarno Habicht highlighted the significant risks faced by the estimated 189,000 individuals who remain near the border with Russia due to the ongoing fighting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the intention behind the attack on Kharkiv is to establish a "security zone" for Russia's border region and not to capture the city. Meanwhile, Ukraine has retaliated by launching its own attacks into Russian territory. Just 12km (7 miles) from the border, the city of Belgorod has become a target several times, with a recent drone strike resulting in the death of a woman and injuring three others in a moving car.

President Zelensky issued a warning last week, suggesting that the ground offensive by Russia may just be the "first wave" in a potentially prolonged conflict. Experts note that Ukraine has made significant progress in its ongoing battle against corruption. However, the fighting near Ukraine's second-largest city has forced over 14,000 people to flee their homes, seeking safety and stability elsewhere.