The attack comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to travel to Washington to request more American military assistance from US President Donald Trump
The Ukrainian President called on foreign nations to help counter Russia’s long-range attacks by supplying more air defence systems for the country. Representational pic
Russian forces launched powerful glide bombs and drones against Ukraine's second-largest city overnight, hitting a hospital and wounding seven people, news agency AP reported, quoting an official. The attack comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to travel to Washington to request more American military assistance from US President Donald Trump.
The Russian attack on Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine struck the city's main hospital, forcing the evacuation of 50 patients, regional head Oleh Syniehubov said. Zelenskyy said the main targets were energy facilities, though he did not provide specifics.
"Every day, every night, Russia strikes power plants, power lines, and our (natural) gas facilities," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
Long-range Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid have been part of Moscow’s campaign since it launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, aiming to disrupt Ukraine’s power supply and deprive civilians of heat and running water during the harsh winter.
The Ukrainian President called on foreign countries to help counter Russia’s long-range attacks by supplying more air defence systems for the country, which is almost the size of Texas and difficult to defend entirely from the air, AP reported.
"We are counting on the actions of the US and Europe, the G7, all partners who have these systems and can provide them to protect our people," Zelenskyy said. "The world must force Moscow to sit down at the table for real negotiations."
The Ukrainian President is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Friday, AP reported. The discussions are expected to focus on the possible US provision of sophisticated long-range weapons to Ukraine, enabling it to strike back at Russia.
Trump has indicated that he may send Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Such a move, previously ruled out by Washington for fear of escalating the conflict, would heighten tensions with Russia but could provide leverage to push Moscow toward negotiations, following Trump’s frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to compromise on key aspects of a potential peace deal.
While Tomahawks would enhance Ukraine’s ability to retaliate, its long-range attacks are already affecting Russian oil production, Ukrainian officials and foreign military analysts say. Zelenskyy also noted that Russia is experiencing significant gas shortages due to these strikes using newly developed long-range missiles and drones.
(With AP inputs)
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