UKRAINE, KHARKIV, July 24 — In the morning, a Russian missile attack on Kharkiv damaged the office building of Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD), a humanitarian NGO that helps with demining efforts in the region. The NGO released an official statement about the attack.
Russia attacks Kharkiv and the surrounding region often because of its proximity to the border and the frontline, especially so since May 2024, when Moscow’s new ground offensive from the north started.
FSD confirms that, although the office building, vehicles, and equipment “sustained significant damage,” no employees of organizations were killed or injured. Currently, they are “taking steps” to help those affected by the Russian attack.
“We call upon all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian workers and civilians,” they wrote in a statement, noting that the attack demonstrates the challenge of working in conflict zones.
“FSD remains steadfast in our commitment to providing essential humanitarian demining services and support to the people of Ukraine,” FSD notes. The statement says the organization is assessing the degree of damage and develops a plan to restart the operations as soon as possible.
Cover photo: Kharkiv FSD office, severely damaged by Russian missile strike on the morning of July 24, 2024 / Vika Mankovska, Gwara Media
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