Russia's assault on Ukraine has been revealed in devastating before and after photos of the city of Kharkiv.Kharkiv has been brutalised by heavy bombardments all week as Vladimir Putin attempts to seize the important city Located in northeastern Ukraine, around 250 miles east of capital city Kyiv, the city sits close to the Russian border and is known as "one of the most important cultural and educational centres of Ukraine".
This along with its strategic importance have made it one of Putin's top targets in its invasion so far.Horrific photos from the besieged city show that its architecture has been all but destroyed by the Russian airstrikes which President Volodymyr Zelensky has described as 'war crimes'.Many of its key landmarks, including Freedom Square and the Opera House, have been hit as Ukrainian troops defend the city.In one startling image, the Karazin Kharkiv National University can be seen completely shelled to pieces.
Photographers captured shots of the building on fire as emergency responders rushed to control the blaze. There are numerous holes in the side of the building and the streets around it are buried under burning rubble.
In contrast, Google Maps images show how the university used to look, bereft of destruction. The city is of vital strategic importance to Russia as it is well connected, with highways to both Moscow and Kyiv, as well as Crimea.And as the second-largest city in Ukraine and with a population of around 1.4 million people before war broke out, it also has a major airport.However, the Russian shelling of the city has left few amenities for the invaders to enjoy when the dust settles from their vicious onslaught.
Read more on dailystar.co.uk