KHARKIV, UKRAINE, Apr 22 — On April 20, an international delegation including the ambassadors of Denmark, Estonia, France, and Sweden, representatives of the UNDP, and Infrastructure Vice Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, along with the MP Olena Shuliak visited Kharkiv, reported the press services of Kharkiv City Council and the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.

The delegates went to the destroyed by Russians Northern Saltivka [the largest residential area in Ukraine, located in the east of Kharkiv], critical infrastructure facilities, and an underground school in the Industrialnyi district of the city.

Damaged energy infrastructure in the Kharkiv region / Photo: Kharkiv Regional Military Administration
Northern Saltivka / Photo: Kharkiv Regional Military Administration

According to Oleh Syniehubov, the region’s governor, Russians shell the Kharkiv Oblast daily: it borders Russia and is close to the frontline. Russian troops strike the towns and villages of the region with S-300 missiles, Iranian-made Shahed drones, or guided bombs, which they have been using more actively since the end of March. 

At the briefing, Danish Ambassador Ole Egberg Mikkelsen emphasized that the visit’s purpose was to draw the world’s attention to Kharkiv’s problems.

“I will return to my capital with the message that this unbreakable city needs our help,” said Ole Egberg Mikkelsen.

Ambassador of Estonia Anneli Kolk said that Ukraine’s international partners would not allow the creation of a “gray zone” in the Kharkiv region.

“Our main goal is Ukraine’s total victory—and I mean the entire territory of Ukraine. We will not allow the creation of any “gray zones” in Europe. Ukraine is Europe. It is on its way to the European Union, on its way to NATO. Therefore, all those who stand for democratic values and common sense will not allow any “gray zones” to be created in Ukraine,” Kolk said.

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  • Since the beginning of this year, Russia has conducted 2,500 attacks on civilian targets and critical infrastructure in the Kharkiv Oblast, including 150 missile attacks, said Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, during the national telethon.