A 14-year-old girl has died after a Russian strike in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv hit a playground, local officials said.
At least five other people were killed and scores injured in the strikes, which also hit an apartment building in the town near the Russian border.
Pictures showed flames and thick black smoke coming from the upper part of the building as firefighters carried people to safety.
President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his calls for all of Ukraine’s international partners to allow it to strike targets inside Russia to prevent such attacks. His office said Moscow’s military had shot down more than 400 drones and missiles in Ukraine last week.
The strikes came hours before Mr Zelensky fired the head of his air force, Lt General Mykola Oleshchuk.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, is located about 35km (22 miles) from the Russian border and has been under frequent attacks since Russia launched a full-scale attack in February 2022.
The governor of the region, Oleg Sinegubov, said on Telegram that at least 59 people were injured, 20 were in a critical condition and some needed amputation. Nine children were also injured in the strikes, he said.
Other photos showed part of the building’s outer wall collapsed and a number of cars outside it burned.
Mr. Sinegubov said the strikes were launched in the Russian region of Belgorod, which is across the border.
“Let’s say frankly that there were plans to guide people [on the missiles]. We make one conclusion,” he said.
“These streets are only parks with large gatherings of people. This is a residential building. This, again, is the biggest fear of our citizens.”
Mr Zelensky said Russia was targeting “ordinary” people and the strikes could have been prevented if Ukraine had the ability to destroy Russian military aircraft at their bases.
“This is a legitimate demand. There is no valid reason to reduce Ukraine’s defense,” he said.
Ukraine’s Western rivals have in part withheld permission to use its weapons to attack Russian territory for fear of escalating the conflict.
The UK has it many machines are allowed intended for use against Russia, although it maintains an exception for the long-range Storm Shadow missiles.
In May, the US allowed Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region and “to push back Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack them”.
It continues to refuse permission for strikes deep into Russian territory.
“We need long-range capabilities and full implementation of air defense agreements in Ukraine. These are life-saving measures,” said Mr. Zelensky.
In response to Friday’s attack, the US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Kharkiv as rescue efforts continue.
“Russia must answer for these war crimes.”
Earlier this week, multiple sources told the BBC that Western technology and finance was helping Ukraine conduct hundreds of long-range strikes against Russia using Ukrainian-made drones.
Targets included air force bases, oil and ammunition depots and command centers.
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