Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, has been subjected to what its mayor described as the “most powerful” Russian drone attack since the full-scale invasion began, resulting in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries. The overnight assault, which unleashed dozens of drones, along with missiles and guided aerial bombs, caused significant destruction to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that the city was targeted by approximately 48 Iranian-made Shahed drones, two missiles, and four aerial glide bombs in the pre-dawn hours. The barrage led to direct hits on at least three high-rise residential buildings, with footage emerging of multi-story structures engulfed in flames. In addition to the confirmed deaths, more than a dozen people, including two children, were reported injured and are receiving medical attention. Rescue workers have been tirelessly searching through the rubble, as fears persist that more individuals may be trapped.
This devastating attack on Kharkiv follows a broader pattern of intensified Russian aerial bombardments across Ukraine in recent days. The previous night saw six people killed and 80 injured across various regions of the country, with over 400 drones and nearly 40 missiles launched. Russian officials have claimed these strikes are a response to what they term “terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime,” asserting that military sites were targeted.
The escalation in Russian attacks comes days after a series of audacious Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, reportedly targeting strategic warplanes at four air bases. Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, dubbed this “Operation Spider‘s Web” and claimed to have struck at least 40 Russian aircraft. Reports indicate that these Ukrainian drones were smuggled into Russia, concealed in lorries, and launched remotely, highlighting the evolving and increasingly complex nature of drone warfare in the conflict.
The persistent and escalating drone attacks on Kharkiv underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the severe impact on civilian populations. The city, located just 50 kilometers from the Russian border, remains a frequent target, as Moscow continues its efforts to exert pressure on Ukraine. International observers and human rights organizations have consistently condemned such attacks on civilian areas, urging for a strong international response to what they describe as systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure. The recent surge in hostilities further diminishes hopes for an immediate peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has now entered its third year.