Russian forces carried out another airstrike on the peaceful city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv region, once again exemplifying the destructive tactics of the aggressor and confirming the security threat to local residents
The evening events of April 17 brought a new wave of alarm and destruction, leaving behind traces of devastation and suffering. According to reports released by the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, around 16:35 Kyiv time, Russian armed forces launched another aerial strike in the area of a multi-storey residential block in Kupiansk. As a result of a precise hit on a nine-story apartment building, where numerous civilians lived, a 72-year-old woman was injured. The pensioner sustained injuries that required medical assistance; her condition remains stable, but the situation regarding other possible victims is still being clarified. Official data indicate that at least ten adjacent multi-apartment buildings were damaged in the strike. The blast wave destroyed living rooms, damaged facades and windows, and left residents in a state of panic and despair. Witnesses reported a loud explosion, a thick smoke cloud, and destruction that caused not only physical but also psychological trauma. According to the Kharkiv Prosecutor’s Office, Russian forces employed an ODAAB-1500 aerial bomb to carry out this attack, which is a volumetric-detonating munition. It is one of the most powerful types of aerial bombs capable of causing significant destruction over a large area, as confirmed by the recent strike's aftermath. Photos and videos released clearly show the impact site — debris, destroyed walls, and damaged windows. The video, published by the prosecutor, depicts the moment of the explosion, emphasizing the scale of the destruction and the brutality of the attack. This extraordinary event once again highlights the high human cost of war for civilians — destroyed houses, wounded residents, psychological stress, and uncertainty. Local authorities and emergency services are working to assist the victims and search for additional wounded, but the extent of the damage and the number of casualties are not yet fully assessed. Public outrage and anxiety are growing regarding further actions by the enemy and the threat of infrastructure destruction. Local authorities call on residents to stay calm and follow safety recommendations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian defenders and the local police assure that they are doing everything possible to prevent further attacks and to protect the lives and property of citizens. This incident once again underscores the importance of increased international support and sanctions against the aggressor country, as well as serves as a reminder of the immediate danger facing peaceful cities and their inhabitants, who remain under constant threat of missile and air strikes.