Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, faced its most intense bombardment since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, with officials reporting at least four deaths and over 60 injuries following overnight drone strikes and guided bomb attacks. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the assault as "the most powerful attack" in the conflict's history, underscoring the escalating violence in the northeastern region near the Russian border.
Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that 40 drones, one missile, and four bombs targeted a civilian industrial facility, sparking a major fire. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under debris. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the evening guided bomb strikes as "another brutal murder," emphasizing the toll on civilians.
The Ukrainian military reported intercepting 87 of 206 drones launched overnight, while electronic warfare systems neutralized 80 others. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military infrastructure, including ammunition depots and drone workshops, but did not address civilian casualties.
Analysts suggest the intensified attacks follow Ukrainian drone raids on Russian airbases last week, which reportedly damaged 41 warplanes. Cross-border strikes on railway infrastructure have further heightened tensions, with Moscow framing its actions as retaliation for "terrorist acts" by Kyiv.
Kharkiv, just 30 kilometers from Russia, has endured near-daily shelling since 2022, displacing thousands and crippling critical services. The latest escalation raises concerns about Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid delayed Western military aid.
