Watch: Firefighters rescue kitten from burning building after Kharkiv shelled

Ukrainian firefighters have rescued a kitten from the rubble of a burning restaurant hit by shelling in Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, the country's emergency services said.

The rescuers battled raging flames and smoke to pull the cat out from under a metal chair.

Video shows the firefighters petting and cuddling the animal as they carried it to safety.

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"We found a beauty," one of the firefighters said, as the kitten wriggled around in a colleague's arms.

Ukraine's emergency services said the kitten's paw needed medical attention.

"Heroes of our time," the emergency services proclaimed of the firefighters.

"They protect, work, save, treat... and we wish the cat a speedy recovery."