Emergency rescue operations have been ongoing for more than 24 hours following the strike on central Kharkiv

From the first hours after the attack, volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response team in the Kharkiv region have been taking part in rescue operations together with first responders, providing essential assistance to those affected at the site. Canine teams have also been deployed to support search operations.

A Ukrainian Red Cross aid point continues to operate at the site, where local residents and representatives of Kharkiv’s emergency services can have water, tea or coffee and, if needed, receive psychological support and first aid.

Based on the needs identified, humanitarian assistance is being distributed to affected people, including OSB boards, tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, drinking water, hygiene kits, blankets, emergency kits and other essential items.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) reported that yesterday Russian forces struck the central part of Kharkiv.

As a result of the attack, a commercial and office building was destroyed, along with part of the adjacent entrance of a four-storey apartment block. During debris removal overnight, the bodies of two people were recovered, including one child.

Photo credit: Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers, State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv Region, Suspilne Kharkiv.