This morning, Russian troops shelled Kharkiv district, killing five people and injuring 21 others. Law enforcement officers, forensic experts and rescuers are working at the scene to record the consequences of the attack.
Five killed in Kharkiv district
On the morning of 4 May, Russian troops attacked the town of Merefa and the village of Bezlyudivka in Kharkiv district. According to National Police of Ukraine, five people died as a result of the shelling - two men and three women.
Another 19 people sustained blast wounds and injuries of varying severity. The injured are being provided with medical care, and rescuers and police continue to work at the site.
The work of law enforcement officers at the scene
An investigative team, forensic experts, explosive experts, medics and rescuers arrived at the scene of the attack. They are documenting the consequences of the enemy attack, collecting evidence and helping the victims.
Criminal proceedings have been opened under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - «war crimes». The police are recording each episode for further investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Reaction of local authorities and society
Shelling of Kharkiv district have caused a serious resonance among the residents of the region. Local authorities are urging people to be cautious and to immediately go to a shelter in case of danger.
The victims are provided with psychological and medical assistance. Local residents are actively supporting each other by organising assistance for the families of the dead and wounded.
Why it matters
Another shelling of the Kharkiv region underscores the ongoing threat to civilians posed by Russian troops. The deaths of civilians and numerous injuries indicate a violation of international humanitarian law.
The opening of criminal proceedings for war crimes is an important step in recording evidence and bringing perpetrators to justice. Such incidents affect the security situation in the region and underscore the need to strengthen the protection of civilians.
