A 14-year-old girl was killed after a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine, specifically at a playground in Kharkiv, local officials said.

At least five more people have been killed, according to the BBC, and dozens more injured in the attacks, which have also hit residential areas near the Russian border.

Nine more children were injured

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

Regional Governor Oleg Sinegubov told Telegram that at least 59 people were injured, of which 20 are in serious condition and some need amputation. Nine children were also injured in the strikes, he said.

Zelensky is asking international partners for permission to strike inside Russia

President Zelensky reiterated his calls to all of Ukraine’s international partners to allow it to strike targets inside Russia in order to prevent such attacks.

He added that Russia had targeted “ordinary” people and the strikes could have been prevented if Ukraine “had the ability to destroy Russian military aircraft at its bases.”

US: Russia must be held accountable for these war crimes

Responding to Friday’s attacks, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Kharkiv as rescue operations are underway.

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