Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declares Russia is committing “pure terrorism” and ignoring peace proposals as devastating missile and drone strikes pound Kharkiv, killing civilians and suggesting Moscow is preparing for prolonged conflict.

At a Glance

• Russia launched multiple attacks on Kharkiv on June 7, killing at least four people and injuring over 60 civilians, including children
• Zelensky accused Russia of “ignoring all peace proposals” following the attacks that targeted civilian areas
• Ukrainian officials report Russia conducted nearly 740 strikes across Ukraine with various weapons, hitting almost 20 locations
• Zelensky urgently requests U.S. approval to purchase additional air defense systems
• Slovakia’s Prime Minister stated his country will block any EU sanctions against Russia that harm Slovak national interests

Devastating Attacks on Kharkiv

Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, suffered what local officials described as its “most powerful attack” since the war began. Two rounds of attacks occurred on Saturday, June 7, first with missile and drone strikes that killed at least three people and injured 21 others, including a baby and a teenager. A second wave hit the city in the afternoon with guided aerial bombs, killing at least one more person and wounding over 40 civilians. The targeted areas included residential neighborhoods with no apparent military value.

These attacks represent a significant escalation in Russia’s assault on Ukraine’s northeastern region. Kharkiv, located just 30 miles from the Russian border, has faced increased bombardment in recent months. Ukrainian officials emphasize that these strikes deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure rather than military installations, causing widespread destruction to apartment buildings, shops, and public spaces. Emergency services worked through debris to rescue trapped residents.

Zelensky says Russia is ‘ignoring all peace proposals’ after ‘brutal’ Kharkiv attack https://t.co/rXbMwjwCl4 pic.twitter.com/t0OuypKahx

— The Independent (@Independent) June 8, 2025

Zelensky’s Accusation of Russian Disinterest in Peace

President Zelensky responded forcefully to the attacks, posting on social media platform X that Russia is “preparing to continue the war and are ignoring all peace proposals.” He characterized the bombardment as having “no military purpose at all” and called it “pure terrorism.” The Ukrainian leader emphasized that these attacks prove Russia has no interest in good-faith negotiations, instead choosing to escalate violence against civilian targets throughout Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government reported that Russia conducted nearly 740 strikes across the country using kamikaze drones, missiles, and guided bombs. Almost 20 separate locations were targeted with a total of 452 projectiles, making it one of the most extensive bombardments in recent months. This widespread assault has intensified concerns about Russia’s military strategy shifting toward maximum civilian impact rather than battlefield objectives.

Rescue operations are currently underway in Kryvyi Rih following a Russian missile strike. As of now, 16 people are confirmed dead, including six children. In Kharkiv, rescue efforts continued all day after a targeted Russian drone strike. A deliberate attack by six “Shahed”… pic.twitter.com/7TbgHQYfEI

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 4, 2025

International Response and Military Aid

Zelensky has urgently appealed to the United States for “positive signals” regarding air defense systems. He specifically requested permission for Ukraine to purchase additional defensive equipment, emphasizing that stronger air defenses are essential to protect civilian populations from Russian aerial attacks. Military analysts suggest that improved air defense capabilities could force Russia to reconsider its current strategy and potentially drive Moscow toward genuine peace negotiations.

“We urgently need positive signals from the United States regarding air defence systems”, said Volodymyr Zelensky.

The international response remains divided. While many Western nations continue supporting Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid, some European countries are showing hesitation. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico stated clearly that his country would block any EU sanctions against Russia that harm Slovak national interests. Meanwhile, tensions over prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of deceased soldiers’ remains have added another complex dimension to the conflict, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russia of playing “dirty games” regarding POW claims.

Deepening Military Crisis

As Russia’s assault intensifies, military experts warn that without additional support, Ukraine faces increasing challenges in defending its territory and civilian population. The Institute for the Study of War emphasized that continuing to equip Ukrainian forces remains critical, as Russia’s battlefield losses represent the primary constraint on Putin’s war machine. The recent escalation suggests Russia may be attempting to break Ukrainian resolve through civilian targeting rather than direct military confrontation.

The attacks on Kharkiv highlight the broader pattern of Russia’s increasingly aggressive tactics. Ukrainian defense officials report detecting nearly 20 Russian bombers in the air simultaneously during recent operations, indicating a coordinated effort to overwhelm Ukraine’s existing air defenses. With civilian casualties mounting and infrastructure damage expanding, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in affected regions, especially in northeastern Ukraine where proximity to the Russian border creates constant vulnerability.