Russian Missile Strike Damages Kharkiv TV Tower, Escalates Attacks Ahead of Western Aid Arrival
Russian forces struck Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, with a missile that destroyed a television tower, an act of intimidation aimed at disrupting communication. The ongoing barrage of attacks on Kharkiv has escalated in recent weeks, as Russia seeks to exploit Ukraine’s shortage of air defense systems.
The northeastern region of Kharkiv, where the 1,000-kilometer front line between Ukrainian and Russian forces has remained largely unchanged for over two years, has been under intense pressure from Russia since late March. The bombardment has targeted the local power grid and apartment blocks.
On Monday, a Russian Kh-59 missile struck Kharkiv’s iconic 250-meter-high TV tower, snapping it in half and halting transmissions. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia may be contemplating a ground assault on Kharkiv, aiming to destroy the city with air, missile, and drone strikes to force large-scale internal displacement of civilians.
The expected arrival of fresh military aid from Western partners in the coming weeks may have prompted Russia to intensify its attacks, as capturing Kharkiv would be a significant challenge for the Kremlin’s forces.
U.S. War Aid Vote, EU Air Defense Uncertainties
The U.S. Senate is set to vote on $61 billion in war aid to Ukraine, including long-range and artillery capabilities, after months of delays. However, EU nations with Patriot air defense systems have not yet indicated a willingness to provide them to Ukraine, which is desperately seeking at least seven of the missile batteries.
Ongoing Drone and Missile Attacks
Overnight attacks by Russia included the launch of 16 Shahed drones and two Iskander-M ballistic missiles over Ukraine’s southern and central regions. The Ukrainian air force intercepted all but one of the drones. In Odesa, a residential building was hit, injuring nine people, including four children.
Russia’s continued drone and missile attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and building damage, adding to the ongoing challenges and suffering faced by Ukrainians amid the conflict.
