On October 21, a kindergarten in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was struck by a Russian drone, leading to a significant emergency response from local officials. Major-General Oleksandr Volobuev from Ukraine’s Civil Protection Service was photographed rescuing a child from the damaged building, where 48 children had taken shelter during the attack. This incident has sparked global interest, highlighting both the realities of the ongoing conflict and the resilience of those affected.
Following the drone strike, Volobuev reported feeling anxious upon receiving the call about the attack. He and his team swiftly evacuated the children, who had huddled in the facility’s basement during the explosion. Fortunately, the shelter proved effective, as all children were unharmed. In total, one adult was killed, and several others sustained injuries, including severe burns and a traumatic amputation.
The drone responsible for the strike was identified as an Iranian-designed Shahed model, notable for its accuracy and significant payload. Despite Russia’s denial of targeting civilian structures, local Ukrainian officials assert that the attack was deliberate, pointing to the lack of military sites in the vicinity. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike, emphasizing that no justification exists for attacking a kindergarten.
Rescuers operated under the constant threat of a secondary strike—a known tactic used by Russian forces. The day after the kindergarten incident, a firefighter was killed by a follow-up drone strike in a nearby village, underscoring the peril faced by emergency responders.
Both Volobuev and another local emergency worker, Fedir Uhnenko, expressed their commitment to helping children in peril and their hope for a future free from conflict. Each highlighted a desire for children to experience peace and happiness, reflecting a broader sentiment among those engaged in the ongoing conflict.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q1w9ypl8jo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss