Deadly Drone Strikes Rock Kharkiv Overnight
In the early hours of Wednesday, Ukraine's city of Kharkiv endured a fierce, uninterrupted drone assault lasting nine minutes that claimed at least two lives and injured 57 people, including seven children. The attack involved 17 Russian drones and left a trail of destruction across the northeastern city close to the Russian border.
Widespread Damage Across Residential Areas
Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the scene grimly, reporting fires breaking out across 15 apartments within a five-story building, alongside damage to multiple multi-storey buildings, private homes, playgrounds, public transport, and businesses. He shared details via Telegram, emphasizing the extensive impact:
- Burning apartments and destroyed roofs
- Cars set ablaze and numerous broken windows
- Targeted hits on public spaces, including playgrounds and trolley bus depots
A witness on site observed emergency responders swiftly aiding victims, carrying them out of wrecked buildings and providing urgent care while firefighters fought to suppress the fires in the darkness.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
The governor of Kharkiv region, Oleh Sinehubov, confirmed that among the injured, a 2-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy are among those hospitalized. The injuries resulted from both direct drone hits and the resulting fires.
Ukrainian Military's Response
In a detailed update, Ukrainian forces revealed that Russia launched a total of 85 drones overnight. Out of these, Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 40 drones, while an additional nine were neutralized by electronic warfare techniques that either redirected the drones or identified them as non-weaponized simulators.
The drone strikes focused primarily on Kharkiv but also targeted regions of Donetsk and Odesa, reflecting a broad, intensified offensive.
Context Amid Ongoing Conflict
Kharkiv has been a frequent target since the outset of the large-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite several assaults, it resisted full capture during early Russian advances. This latest attack came on the heels of Russia’s two largest strikes within a single week, which Moscow frames as retaliation against Kyiv’s recent attacks on Russian territory.
Both Ukraine and Russia maintain they do not purposefully target civilians. However, the conflict has tragically resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, predominantly Ukrainians.
Courage and Resilience in Kharkiv
Despite the devastation, Mayor Terekhov conveyed a message of collective strength and determination: "We are holding on. We are helping each other. And we will definitely survive. Kharkiv is Ukraine. And it cannot be broken."
