"In the north-east of Ukraine, a mere 18 miles from the Russian border, sits the city of Kharkiv, home to Kharkiv Pride. Since Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country's second-largest city has faced relentless strikes by Russian forces with more than 8,000 of its buildings - including schools and homes - destroyed, thousands of people killed and injured whilst countless more have fled westward to Kyiv or abroad for safety."
"When the conflict began, Kharkiv was quickly identified as one of Russia's main targets given its proximity to the border, history and infrastructure. A traditionally Russian-speaking city, Kharkiv was a major centre during the Russian Empire and once served as the capital of Soviet Ukraine between 1919 and 1934. Nowadays, the city is an industrial, scientific and cultural hub home to several top universities and research institutes and has various industrial enterprises employing thousands across the chemical, power production, fuel, and food sectors."
Kharkiv sits 18 miles from the Russian border and hosts Kharkiv Pride. Since the February 2022 invasion the city has endured relentless strikes; over 8,000 buildings, including schools and homes, were destroyed, thousands were killed or injured, and many residents fled westward. Kharkiv's proximity, history and infrastructure made it a principal target. The traditionally Russian-speaking city was a major centre in the Russian Empire and Soviet Ukraine and now serves as an industrial, scientific and cultural hub with universities, research institutes and large industries. Kharkiv Oblast contributes agricultural output and holds Ukraine's largest natural gas reserves. Russian forces took nearby towns but failed to capture Kharkiv, which became a symbol of resistance and was declared a Hero City.
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