14-year-old girl killed when Russian plane hits playground in Kharkiv

A 14-year-old girl has died after a Russian air strike in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv hit a playground, local officials say.

At least five other people were killed and dozens more injured in the air strike, which also hit a residential building in the city near the Russian border.

Images show flames and thick black smoke billowing from the upper part of the building as firefighters rushed people to safety.

President Volodymyr Zelensky called on all of Ukraine’s international partners to authorize strikes on targets inside Russia to prevent such attacks.

The air strikes came just hours before Mr Zelensky fired the head of his air force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, lies about 35km (22 miles) from the Russian border and has been the target of frequent attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Regional Governor Oleg Sinegubov said on Telegram that at least 59 people were injured, including 20 in serious condition and some requiring amputations. He said nine children were also injured in the airstrikes.

Subsequent photos show part of the building’s outer wall collapsed and several cars outside on fire.

The air strikes were launched from Russia’s Belgorod region, just across the border, Mr Sinegubov said.

“Let’s be clear that there is a guidance system in place. [on the missiles]. We draw a conclusion,” he said.

“These streets are just parks with a lot of people gathered. This is a residential building. This is once again a mass act of terrorism against our civilians.”

Mr Zelensky said Russia had targeted “ordinary” people and the attacks could have been prevented if Ukraine had “the ability to destroy Russian military aircraft at their bases”.

“This is a completely legitimate demand. There is no legitimate reason to limit Ukraine’s defense capabilities,” he said.

Ukraine’s Western allies have partly prevented the country from using weapons to attack Russian territory for fear of escalating the conflict.

The UK has Allows multiple devices It is used to attack Russia, although there are exceptions for the long-range Storm Shadow missile.

In May, The United States has allowed Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region and only to “counterattack Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack”.

The country continues to refuse permission for further strikes into Russian territory.

“We need long-range capabilities and full implementation of air defense agreements for Ukraine. These are life-saving measures,” Zelensky said.

Responding to Friday’s attacks, the US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, said: “Our condolences go out to the people of Kharkiv as rescue operations are underway.

“Russia must be held responsible for these war crimes.”

Earlier this week, Multiple sources told the BBC that Western technology and finance have helped Ukraine carry out hundreds of long-range strikes on Russia using Ukrainian-made drones.

Targets included air bases, oil and ammunition depots and command centers.