In a disturbing escalation of violence, eight people have been killed and at least 10 others injured as Russian missile strikes hit Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, according to regional officials. The attack, which took place overnight, was carried out by drones, as confirmed by Ukraine's national police. However, regional officials assert that Russian forces utilized missiles and bombs in the assault.

The governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, revealed that six people lost their lives in the initial missile attacks, a figure later confirmed by Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov via the Telegram messaging app. Terekhov further disclosed that an additional 10 individuals sustained injuries. Regrettably, the death toll later rose to seven with another casualty reported in a subsequent strike.

The strikes predominantly targeted residential areas, causing damage to several high-rise buildings, dormitories, administrative buildings, a shop, a petrol station, a service station, and numerous vehicles, Terekhov noted. Disturbing pictures released by the police on Telegram portray fires raging in civilian areas, including near a residential high-rise. The strikes occurred shortly after midnight, local news reports state.

Following the initial attack, a US Ambassador, Bridget A Brink, passionately expressed her support for Ukraine's defense against the unprovoked and horrendous attacks, urging swift action. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military reported on Facebook that their air defenses successfully neutralized 28 out of 32 drones and three out of six missiles launched by Russia.

Air raid alerts remained in effect for Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine, including the capital city Kyiv, for several hours after the overnight strikes. Kharkiv, located just 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Russian border, has been subjected to frequent bombardment since the start of Moscow's invasion in February 2022. The intensity of these attacks has increased in recent weeks, with a drone attack earlier in the week resulting in four fatalities and extensive damage to apartment blocks.

Interestingly, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, expressed his concern that Kharkiv is a probable target for any future Russian offensive in May or June. In light of the escalating violence, Ukrainian officials have implored their allies to provide additional anti-aircraft defense systems, specifically modern US-made Patriot systems.

The devastating missile strikes on Kharkiv have further heightened tensions in the region, calling for immediate international attention and action to protect Ukrainian civilians and confront the aggressive acts carried out by Russian forces.