Reports are flying out of Ukraine as fast as the missiles are flying in. Monday morning, February 28, Dozens of civilians are reported killed and hundreds more wounded after a massive Russian rocket strike obliterated the city of Kharkiv.
Rocket strike kills dozens
Anton Herashchenko, an adviser for the Ukrainian interior, posted on Facebook that a “grad” rocket barrage left dozens dead and hundreds wounded.
The previous day, Ukraine forces fiercely repelled a ground attack by Russian forces on Kharkiv, the nation’s second largest city.
According to regional governor Oleh Synehubov “the city was now rid of Russian troops – after street-to-street fighting overnight.”
That situation could change at any time. The rocket strikes are a major game change. Residents called the intense shelling “something like Star Wars above your head.”
One of the structures targeted in the rocket attack was a nine-story residential tower. Emergency services reported that the building “was severely damaged and an elderly woman was killed.”
On scene rescuers evacuated around 60 people “spared injury as they had taken refuge in the basement.” One Kharkiv resident “can’t describe the sounds that woke us up.” Another resident, Dmitry Shabanov, is thrilled that his family still has running water.
Target number one
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky told the world Thursday in a video chat that “this might be the last time you see me alive.” Besides ducking rocket attacks, there’s allegedly an entire assassination squad out to do him in.
Putin allegedly ordered them to “decapitate” Ukrainian leadership. He’s trying to hunker in his bunker while Kiev bears the brunt of the siege. He confirmed Putin’s plans to do him in by stating the Russians “want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state.”
Another thing Vladimir Putin is up to involves the Russian nuclear stockpile. He could start by putting a “pony bomb” tactical nuclear device on the next rocket.
While the Kremlin swears up and down that they aren’t planning on using nukes, they didn’t admit planning an invasion either.
Joe Biden is anticipated to issue some duck and cover advice along with his big speech Tuesday night. The palace isn’t making a big deal about the chance of nuclear weapons being used along with the conventional rocket attacks on Ukraine citizens. Even so, the administration quietly updated nuclear blast response advice on the “Ready” website. “Nuclear explosions can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat, and radiation but you can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if it occurs.” Make sure to wear a mask.
“Try to maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household. If possible, wear a mask if you’re sheltering with people who are not a part of your household. Children under two years old, people who have trouble breathing, and those who are unable to remove masks on their own should not wear them.“
