Russian drone strike claims lives of at least six in Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials report
According to local officials, a Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals. Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that the attack, carried out by Iranian-made Shahed drones, targeted several buildings, including residential complexes, in the early hours of Saturday.
The escalation of attacks on Kharkiv, which stands as the nearest major city to the Russian border, has been noted in recent weeks, prompting concerns from Ukrainian authorities who fear it may become the focal point of a future Russian offensive.
Mayor Terekhov condemned the attack as an act of terrorism, asserting that it underscores Russia’s status as a “terrorist state.” He disclosed that besides the fatalities, at least 10 individuals sustained injuries as a result of the assault.
Photographs circulated by Ukrainian law enforcement depicted rescue efforts at the site, with buildings visibly damaged and ablaze. Reports from the police indicated destruction to residential structures, gas stations, government buildings, and vehicles.
Kharkiv has endured substantial devastation from continuous Russian bombardment since the commencement of President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In response to the latest missile attacks on Ukraine, Polish authorities confirmed the deployment of fighter jets. Meanwhile, authorities in Kyiv activated air defenses to fend off potential assaults on the capital.
This attack follows previous incidents, including a drone assault on Kharkiv earlier in the week that left four dead, as well as missile strikes on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia on Friday, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials.