Overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city have left three dead and 17 wounded just hours before a crucial White House meeting.
A ballistic missile and drone strike hit residential areas in Kharkiv on Sunday night and Monday morning, killing three people, including a 2-year-old boy, according to the New York Post reporting. The attacks occurred as President Trump prepares to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss ending the ongoing conflict.
Six children between the ages of 6 and 17 were among those injured in the dual strikes that targeted the border city. Regional officials reported the casualty count was "continuously increasing" as rescue teams worked through debris searching for survivors.
Rescue Operations Continue Despite Rising Casualties
Kharkiv region governor Oleh Synehubov confirmed the attacks through the Telegram messaging app, detailing both ballistic missile and drone strikes. Mayor Ihor Terekhov provided updates on the rescue efforts as emergency teams responded to the residential damage.
At least one person was successfully rescued alive from the rubble left by the Russian bombardment. "A woman has just been rescued from under the rubble: she is alive," Terekhov announced in an early Monday social media post.
Officials warned that rescue operations would continue as teams systematically searched through damaged buildings for additional victims. The strikes hit civilian infrastructure in what regional administration head Oleh Hryhorov described as deliberate nighttime targeting of non-military areas.
Strategic Timing Raises Questions About Peace Negotiations
The deadly attacks occurred just hours before Trump's scheduled White House meeting with Zelensky and other European leaders. The timing has drawn attention, given the administration's efforts to broker a comprehensive peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
Kharkiv's proximity to the Russian border has made it a frequent target since Moscow's February 2022 invasion began. The city's strategic location continues to place civilian populations at risk as both sides maintain their military operations.
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have consistently denied intentionally targeting civilian areas throughout the conflict. However, residential areas in border cities like Kharkiv have repeatedly suffered casualties from cross-border attacks and military operations.
White House Discussions Focus on Permanent Resolution
Monday's Washington meetings are expected to address long-term peace solutions rather than temporary cease-fire arrangements. The Trump administration has indicated that both Russia and Ukraine must receive concessions for any lasting agreement to succeed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously proposed taking control of the entire Donetsk region during his recent Alaska summit with Trump. Zelensky has firmly rejected surrendering any Ukrainian territory not currently under Russian occupation.
The administration's shift toward permanent conflict resolution reflects growing pressure to end the prolonged warfare that has devastated both nations. These latest civilian casualties underscore the urgent need for diplomatic breakthroughs as military operations continue affecting innocent populations.
Diplomatic Efforts Face Fresh Challenges After Attacks
The latest civilian casualties complicate ongoing peace negotiations as both sides maintain their respective military positions. Ukrainian officials continue documenting attacks on residential areas while emphasizing their commitment to protecting civilian populations.
International observers are watching the White House discussions closely for signs of breakthrough potential in the prolonged conflict. The Trump administration's approach emphasizes finding mutually acceptable terms that could provide lasting stability for the region.
These fresh attacks demonstrate the urgency surrounding Monday's diplomatic meetings as civilian casualties mount in border regions. The international community awaits concrete developments from the high-level discussions aimed at ending nearly three years of devastating warfare.
