'More than 40 injured and another brutal murder,' Zelenskyy reacts to Russian strike on Kharkiv

"As of now, more than 40 injured and one killed are known in Kharkiv due to Russian aerial bomb strikes. Another brutal murder," the President of Ukraine said.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia's attack on civilians is pure terrorism that has been ongoing for more than three years.

"Air bombs on civilians in the city - there's even a children’s railway nearby. This makes no military sense. Pure terrorism. And this has been going on for more than three years of full-scale war," the Ukrainian leader wrote.

Summarizing, Zelenskyy stressed that this cannot be ignored, that Russia feels impunity, and it must be forced to make peace.

"This cannot be ignored. We cannot close our eyes to it. And this is not some game. Every day we lose our people just because Russia feels it is above the law. There must be a tough coercion of Russia into peace," the President concluded.

Later, following his post, Zelenskyy released a video address. The Ukrainian President emphasized that help is now being provided to people in Kharkiv.

"This was a brutal strike on the city right in the middle of the day, and they have been hitting our city Kharkiv almost all day long. Last night, there was a massive drone strike on Kharkiv, now - air bombs. Dozens were injured in the last 24 hours. Unfortunately, there are casualties. My condolences to the families and loved ones," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that these Russian strikes are not "retaliation," but destruction - the destruction of life. Furthermore, in the occupied territories, the enemy only cares about military infrastructure and taking all valuables out of Ukraine.

"They want total destruction of life. And in absolutely every city and village in the occupied territories, you can truly see what Russia's arrival means. The only thing occupiers care about is military infrastructure and their ability to remove everything valuable from Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

Summing up, the Ukrainian leader added that over more than 11 years of war, Russia has brought only ruins and death to Ukrainian land. He stressed that the Russians are preparing to continue the war and ignore peace proposals, so no pressure on Russia should be eased. In particular, Russia must be held accountable.

Shelling of Kharkiv

On the evening of June 7, at about 5:35 p.m. local time, the Russians struck Kharkiv with four guided aerial bombs targeting the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts.

One of the hits was on the children's railway - a place usually filled with families and children. Due to the attack, a 30-year-old woman was killed, who turned out to be the Head of the Kharkiv children's railway. She had been appointed just two weeks prior.

Overall, the Russian shelling damaged 2 children's railway buildings and 4 wagons, 2 private houses, and an outbuilding.

For more details and photos of the aftermath, read our material on the topic.