**Russian Forces Launch Coordinated Attack on Kharkiv, Causing Widespread Damage and Injuries**
In a brazen display of military might, Russian forces launched a combined missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv in the early hours of June 4. The assault, which lasted for nearly two hours, resulted in significant damage to civilian infrastructure, businesses, and residential buildings.
According to reports from local authorities, four fires broke out in the Novobavarsky district following the Russian missile strike and drone raid. One person was injured in the attack, with a 30-year-old man suffering burns after a fire initially broke out at a civilian enterprise. The damage was extensive, with a single-story industrial building severely damaged.
As the night wore on, additional fires were sparked by drone impacts, including a private house and a car service station. The fires spread rapidly, consuming an area of over 200 square meters. A warehouse containing car tires also caught fire, releasing thick black smoke into the air that blanketed the city’s northwest part.
**Targeting Civilian Infrastructure**
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov revealed on his Telegram channel that Russian forces used two missiles and nine Shahed drones in the attack, with one drone failing to explode. The strikes targeted a wide range of civilian infrastructure, including businesses, residential buildings, and even a park. Hits were recorded at seven different locations, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
In addition to the damage caused by the fires, two civilian enterprises were damaged, a private house, a garage, and an outbuilding were burned, and seven nearby homes were affected. Miraculously, doctors have stabilized the condition of the injured man, who was rushed to hospital for treatment.
**Other Ukrainian Cities Also Targeted**
The attack on Kharkiv was not isolated; other Ukrainian cities also came under Russian fire overnight. In Odessa, repeated explosions were heard around midnight, with local media reporting damage to civilian infrastructure and a car service station. One person was injured in the leg, while nine people sought psychological support after the trauma of the attack.
In the Sumy region, rescuers fought to extinguish a large-scale fire at an enterprise in the Lebedyn community, which had been struck by Russian drones. Significant destruction and fires resulted from the assault, with about 10 private houses also damaged.
**Analysis**
The coordinated attack on Kharkiv is a stark reminder of Russia’s continued aggression towards Ukraine. The targeting of civilian infrastructure and residential buildings is a clear contravention of international law and highlights Russia’s disregard for human life and dignity.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how Ukrainian authorities will respond to these attacks. One thing is certain, however – the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity will be crucial in shaping the course of this conflict.
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