February 10th 2024.
A tragic event unfolded in Kharkiv, Ukraine when Russian drones targeted a petrol station, causing a devastating "river of fire". The strike resulted in the loss of a family of five, including two adults and three young children. The children, aged seven, four, and six months, were trapped inside their home as the flames quickly spread to 15 other houses.
According to chief investigator Serhiy Bolvinov, the family was unable to escape the fire and were "held hostage" in their own home. The father's body was found in the corridor, while the mother and children attempted to seek refuge in the bathroom. Tragically, the body of the youngest child, the six-month-old, has yet to be found and authorities are still searching for it.
In order to properly identify the victims, authorities have requested DNA samples from their relatives. More than 50 people were rescued from the fire, which was described as a "savage Russian attack" in the Nemyshlyanskyi district. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames, while witnesses described the chaos and destruction caused by the drones.
Andrii Kruglo, a witness, recalled the horrifying scene, stating, "Everything exploded and started running like a river. A burning river. I was covered in diesel fuel. It was running down the street and setting houses on fire." He and others tried their best to put out the fire with their bare hands and whatever resources they had, but it was a difficult task.
Mayor Igor Terekhov confirmed that the attack was carried out by Russian drones, specifically the Iranian-designed Shahed drones. The strike not only destroyed the petrol station but also caused a massive fire due to the large amount of fuel spilled out. Regional prosecutor Oleksandr Filachkov revealed that three drones were responsible for the destruction and loss of life.
This attack in Kharkiv was not an isolated incident. Just days before, a hotel complex and surrounding buildings were destroyed in Zmiiv by similar drone strikes. The situation has sparked concern among locals, who feel that Ukraine's air defenses are inadequate in defending against Russian attacks. They have called for urgent assistance, including the delivery of Patriot systems, to protect their homes and communities.
Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, has also expressed the critical need for military aid, as the country is facing a shortage of necessary equipment and weaponry. She has urged American lawmakers to put their differences aside and provide the support that Ukraine desperately needs.
Colonel Yuriy Ignat of the Ukrainian Air Force emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We do not have everything and we do not have a lot." He called for additional support from countries like Germany, who have already pledged to provide more military equipment. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borell, has also stressed the need for swift action in mobilizing resources to aid Ukraine.
The devastating consequences of the recent drone attacks in Ukraine serve as a reminder of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for assistance. The city of Kharkiv and its surrounding region are in desperate need of protection and support, as they continue to face devastating attacks from Russian forces.
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