On June 22, 2024, Russian troops attacked the peaceful Ukrainian city of Kharkov, shelling it with controlled air bombs. Let us recall that the date June 22, 1941 is a day that the whole world knows about - the attack of Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union, and it is already associated with a new criminal act of aggression on the part of Russia. The coincidence of these dates is not accidental: the Kremlin's actions imply a repetition of fascist tactics.
The attack of the Russians is in broad daylight, on a day off! At that time, someone was at home going about their daily business, someone was rushing to the store, someone was going to visit relatives or just walking... An ordinary day off, unfortunately, turned out to be tragic for many residents of the Ukrainian city. Four strikes of Russian air bombs hit a densely built-up residential infrastructure. As a result of this barbaric attack, residential buildings, a bus station, a kindergarten and a medical facility were damaged. At least three civilians are now known to have been killed and more than forty injured.
How many more will there be?
The Russian occupiers openly stated that the target of their attack was the hospital of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, which is a direct violation of the Geneva Convention. Such actions contravene the provisions of the First and Second Geneva Conventions of 1949, which state that hospitals and medical personnel in war zones must be protected from attack. According to Section II, Article 16, “the wounded and the sick, as well as disabled and pregnant women shall enjoy special protection and protection”.
Ukraine has always adhered to international norms and principles of warfare, avoiding attacks on hospitals and clinics where wounded Russian soldiers are kept. Unlike the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops regularly violate these norms, striking along contact lines and deliberately targeting evacuation groups. There are numerous documented cases of Russian forces deliberately attacking lines of contact that contain both military and civilian targets.
The actions of Vladimir Putin today evoke a direct parallel with the aggression of Adolf Hitler. In both cases we see a relentless violation of international norms and human rights. The shelling of peaceful cities and civilian objects is a crime that cannot go unpunished.
This tragedy underscores the need for increased international support for Ukraine. Modern air defense systems must be provided as soon as possible to protect civilians and infrastructure from attack. The world community cannot remain an indifferent witness to such crimes. International pressure on Russia must be increased to stop these barbaric attacks.
The UN, an organization created to maintain peace and security, must take a firmer stance. This flagrant violation of the principles of the Geneva Convention calls for immediate condemnation and action. Silence and inaction only encourage the aggressors.
Proactive measures and responses by international organizations and states are needed to ensure compliance with international law and the protection of civilians. The countries of the European Union and NATO play an important role in this context. The international community must act together to demonstrate solidarity and determination in the fight against aggression.
The shelling of Kharkiv on June 22, 2024 once again reminded the world of the fragility of peace and the need for decisive action to maintain it. This tragedy requires not only condemnation, but concrete steps to protect civilians and bring those responsible to justice. The international community must unite its efforts to stop the aggression and prevent new crimes against humanity.