Kyiv - On Saturday, a Russian airstrike devastated an apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, resulting in three fatalities and 52 injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urgently appealed for international assistance to counter the increasing threat posed by these weapons.

Images shared online depict the five-storey building in ruins, with shattered windows, damaged balconies, and debris scattered around a crater. Ukrainian prosecutors in the eastern Kharkiv region confirmed the death toll and reported that among the injured were three children. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov added that four individuals were in serious condition.

President Zelenskiy condemned the attack on Telegram, stating, "This Russian terror through guided bombs must be stopped and can be stopped." He called for decisive action from Ukraine's allies to neutralize Russian military threats.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy highlighted the extensive use of guided bombs by Russian forces, noting that over 2,400 such bombs had been deployed in June alone, with approximately 700 targeting Kharkiv. He emphasized that enhanced arms supplies from the U.S. had previously mitigated missile attacks and stressed the necessity of similar support to counter the current threat.

"The significant reduction in Russian missile terror against Kharkiv and the region proves it is entirely possible to secure our cities and communities from Russian bombs," Zelenskiy asserted. He emphasized the urgency of receiving military aid packages to fulfill agreements made with U.S. President Biden.

Ukraine recently signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with the U.S., aiming to strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russia and advance its NATO membership prospects. Russia has increasingly utilized guided bombs, which are cost-effective and pose fewer risks to its forces.

Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has made slow progress through the Donetsk region, capturing several villages and the industrial town of Avdiivka. Last month, Russia launched a cross-border incursion north of Kharkiv, though Zelenskiy reported that the situation has since stabilized.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported four strikes on the city, while rescue efforts continued at the damaged building, which housed a store on the ground floor. Kharkiv Police Chief Serhiy Bolvinov informed public broadcaster Suspilne that three floors had collapsed, but no individuals were believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Kharkiv, located approximately 30 km (20 miles) from the Russian border, has been frequently targeted during the nearly 28-month-long conflict. Despite Moscow's denial of deliberately targeting civilians, the war has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries.