The serene lakeside resort on the edge of Kharkiv was transformed into a scene of horror on Sunday as Russia unleashed a deadly attack, killing at least 11 people and wounding many more.
The strike was followed by a second attack 20 minutes later, targeting emergency responders in a “double tap” tactic, leaving rescuers and civilians alike in a state of shock and despair.
Prosecutors reported six fatalities at the resort, with one person still missing and 27 injured. The surrounding villages in the Kupiansk district also came under attack, resulting in five more deaths and nine injuries.
Local governor Oleh Syniehubov condemned the Russian forces’ use of a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher, which caused widespread destruction.
The latest attacks are part of a relentless Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, which has seen constant missile strikes and shelling in recent weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed that Ukraine’s armed forces would continue to strengthen their positions and effectively destroy occupying forces in the Donetsk region.
In a show of solidarity, Britain and Finland are set to sign a strategic partnership on Monday, declaring Russia as the most significant threat to European peace and stability. The two countries will work together to counter Russian aggression, disinformation, and cyber attacks, while supporting Ukraine’s recovery and modernization.
As the conflict escalates, the Ukrainian military has also launched attacks on Russian regions, including the southern Belgorod region, where at least 13 people were injured and several dwellings damaged. The situation remains volatile and dangerous, with both sides suffering casualties and the threat of further escalation looming large.