A glimpse of the damage to the historic Derzhprom building, known as the State Industry Building, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was captured on October 28, 2024. Getty Images
On Monday evening, a Russian-guided bomb attack severely damaged the Derzhprom building in Kharkiv, one of Ukraine's most iconic landmarks dating back to the 1920s. The strike occurred around 9 p.m. local time, injuring six individuals and adding to the 13 people hurt in a separate overnight bombing in the city.
In another incident in Kryvyi Rih, a Russian missile hit a three-story residential building, resulting in one death and at least 11 injuries. This attack has further heightened concerns about civilian safety amid ongoing hostilities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault on the Derzhprom building, referring to it as a significant piece of Soviet-era constructivist architecture. He noted that the building was recognized as the first skyscraper of the Soviet Union. In his statement on social media, Zelensky also criticized the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, his hometown, urging renewed efforts to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over two and a half years.
“Every handshake with war criminal Putin boosts his confidence. Every pleasant smile convinces him that he can get away with his crimes,” Zelensky expressed, emphasizing the need for a united front to confront the aggressor. He argued that rather than appeasing Putin, the international community must work together to achieve peace through decisive action.
Video footage from Reuters depicted the aftermath of the attack, showcasing the extensive damage to the Derzhprom building, with parts of it reduced to rubble and nearly all windows shattered. The governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, described the strike as an assault on a symbol recognized by all Kharkiv residents, confirming that several floors of the building had been destroyed.
An image shows the damage to the historic Derzhprom building, also called the State Industry Building, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, taken on October 28, 2024. Getty Images
The Derzhprom building is significant not just for its architectural style but also for its historical value. It was completed in 1928 when Kharkiv served as the capital of Soviet Ukraine and is currently on the “tentative” list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In addition to the damage inflicted on the Derzhprom building, the evening's assault also targeted a medical facility, compounding the chaos and fear among residents. Earlier attacks had already impacted an apartment complex and storage areas, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the strikes.
The attacks did not stop there; in the city of Chuhuiv, located southeast of Kharkiv, eight individuals were reported injured. Prosecutors indicated that this attack involved a multi-rocket launch system, showcasing the escalating violence and devastation in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, the people of Ukraine remain resilient in the face of adversity. The destruction of landmarks like the Derzhprom building serves as a painful reminder of the toll the war is taking on both the cultural heritage and the lives of ordinary citizens.
