Zelensky Condemns Russia’s Targeting of Civilians as Kharkiv Maternity Ward Hit in Overnight Strikes

Nine people were injured in overnight Russian attacks on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, local authorities reported on Friday.

“Amongst the injured are women in a maternity ward,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram, while confirming that no children were hurt in the assault.

Zelensky accused the Russian military of deliberately targeting civilians, a claim that adds to the growing list of alleged war crimes amid the ongoing conflict.

The Ukrainian leader also disclosed that strikes were carried out in other parts of the country, including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and the Odessa region in the morning.

He warned that Russia is expected to continue its onslaught using bombs, missiles, and drones, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster Ukraine’s air defences.

“Strengthening our air defences is therefore a top priority,” Zelensky stated.

As the war continues unabated, both sides engage in near-constant bombardments. Just a day earlier, the United Nations released a report indicating that the number of civilians killed in Russian attacks during the month of June was the highest in three years.

Ukraine, in its counteroffensive efforts, has been striking targets deep inside Russian territory.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Friday that its forces had downed 155 Ukrainian drones. In the Tula region south of Moscow, Governor Dmitry Milyaev confirmed that one person was killed and another injured following drone attacks.

Local media reported that the strikes targeted an area housing three weapons manufacturing facilities. Tula is widely recognized as a hub for arms production.

There were also reports of a drone strike on a drone-manufacturing plant in Dubna, near Moscow, although details about the extent of the damage remain unclear.