KHARKIV, UKRAINE — A residential building in Kharkiv was struck by Russian forces just hours before President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled visit to the White House to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zelensky confirmed the attack, adding that there was also a deliberate Russian strike on an energy facility in Odesa owned by an Azerbaijani company. He suggested the attack was not only an assault on Ukraine but also a provocation aimed at straining international partnerships and undermining energy security.

“The Russian war machine continues to destroy lives despite everything. Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts,” Zelensky said.

He emphasized the need for reliable security guarantees, urging the international community not to reward Russia for its aggression.

“The war must be ended. And it is Moscow that must hear the word: ‘Stop,’” he declared.

The strike highlights the fragile balance of diplomacy as Zelensky seeks greater U.S. and European support to stop the ongoing conflict.