Deadly Attack on Kharkiv
A Russian airstrike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has resulted in six deaths and 47 injuries. The attack, involving powerful glide bombs, struck five locations in the city, including a 12-story residential building. The explosion ignited a fire and trapped at least one person inside. Local officials reported that the strike also killed a 14-year-old girl who was playing in a nearby area.
Call for Expanded Military Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the Kharkiv attack to advocate for increased military support from Western allies. He argued that if Ukraine had the capability to target Russian military bases directly, such incidents could be prevented. Zelenskyy urged Western partners to lift restrictions on Ukrainian military targets, emphasizing the need for more robust defense measures.
Air Force Leadership Change
In a related development, President Zelenskyy dismissed Ukraine’s air force commander, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, following the crash of an F-16 fighter jet. The aircraft, recently supplied by Western nations, went down during a Russian missile and drone assault. Zelenskyy’s decision highlights the need for stronger command and protection of military personnel. U.S. experts are now involved in investigating the crash, which marked the first reported loss of an F-16 in Ukraine.
Controversy Over the Crash
The incident has sparked controversy, with accusations that the F-16 might have been downed by a Patriot air-defense system, a claim made by Ukrainian lawmaker Mariana Bezuhla. Lt. Gen. Oleshchuk criticized Bezuhla for allegedly defaming the air force and U.S. arms manufacturers. The Ukrainian air force has not directly confirmed or denied this claim but is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash.
EU Steps Up Training for Ukrainian Troops
Meanwhile, EU defense ministers have agreed to increase their training program for Ukrainian soldiers. The new target aims to train 75,000 troops by the end of the year, an increase of 15,000. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that the training will be adapted to Ukrainian needs and a new coordination office will be set up in Kyiv to enhance the program’s effectiveness. So far, 60,000 Ukrainian troops have participated in the EU’s training initiative.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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