Watch video: Kharkiv TV tower crumbles under Russian missile strike

In a devastating incident, the iconic television tower in Kharkiv, Ukraine, suffered a catastrophic collapse on Monday, following what local officials believe was a targeted missile attack by Russian forces. The 240-meter structure split in half and plummeted to the ground, leaving the city without a crucial broadcasting signal.

Disruption to digital signal

The missile strike disrupted digital television signals to Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which has already endured significant damage from ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed the interruptions to the broadcasting signal, exacerbating the challenges faced by the embattled city.

🇷🇺🇺🇦🚨 BREAKING: RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKE HITS KHARKIV’S TV BROADCAST INFRASTRUCTURE

A Russian airstrike has reportedly damaged the TV broadcast infrastructure in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, according to a local official.

Broadcast signals are currently facing major disruptions. Footage shows… pic.twitter.com/kIInGU4icY

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 22, 2024

There were no casualties reported in the aftermath of the tower's collapse. Syniehubov noted that workers were safely sheltered at the time of the attack, preventing any loss of life despite the significant structural damage.

Evidence of Russian involvement

Prosecutors in Kharkiv pointed to Russia's likely involvement, suggesting the use of a cruise Kh-59 missile in the attack. While the exact details of the strike remain unclear, corroborating footage from multiple angles confirmed the moment when the tower's top section collapsed, further supporting the suspicion of Russian aggression.

⚡ Latest photos of the Kharkov (Kharkiv) TV tower after collapse. pic.twitter.com/5CwroSjWQj

— CLOCK (@CLOCKru) April 22, 2024

Escalating attacks

This is not the first time Kharkiv's television tower has come under attack. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, the city has been a target of relentless assaults. However, recent weeks have seen a surge in attacks, highlighting the intensifying conflict in the region.

Urgent need for defense

With Ukraine facing a shortage of air defense capabilities, cities like Kharkiv are particularly vulnerable to Russian aggression. The escalation of attacks underscores the urgent need for international support and reinforces the resilience of Ukrainian communities in the face of adversity.