A missile attack hit Kharkiv on Friday afternoon killing two people, including a three-year-old child, and injuring about 28 others. Ukrainian officials confirmed a residential apartment block was nearly destroyed in the blast. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack “heinous.” Among the injured is a six-month-old baby. Sixteen people were taken to hospital. Rescue workers and over 80 volunteers are still searching the rubble. Kharkiv officials say the dead may have been a mother and her son. "Unfortunately, this is how the Russians treat life and people – they continue killing, despite all efforts by the world, and especially by the United States, in the diplomatic process," Zelensky wrote on X. The Russian Defence Ministry denied launching missile attacks on Kharkiv, claiming the explosion was caused by Ukrainian ammunition detonating. The ministry suggested the reports were meant to divert attention from a recent Ukrainian drone strike on a hotel in a Russian-held area. Ukraine is set to host important talks in Kyiv on Saturday, with about 15 countries plus EU, NATO representatives, and a US delegation joining by video. This meeting precedes a summit of allied leaders planned for January 6 in France. The Russian Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the Kharkiv blast. Meanwhile, Russia's foreign ministry accused Zelensky of trying to create fear among people in regions that voted to join Russia. The BBC is unable to verify independently the details or casualties of the recent strikes from either side. Ukraine said it targets only military sites and follows international law. This attack adds to the ongoing tensions as the conflict continues to impact civilians heavily and complicates upcoming peace efforts.