The city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest, faced a devastating night as missiles, drones, and bombs bombarded the area once again.
The relentless assault left at least two people dead and dozens more injured, marking one of the harshest attacks Kharkiv has endured since the conflict began.
Kharkiv Under Siege: Explosions and Damage
Before dawn, residents were jolted awake by over 40 explosions as Russian forces unleashed a barrage of 48 kamikaze drones, along with six aerial bombs and missiles.
The destruction was widespread—18 multi-storey buildings and 13 private homes sustained significant damage.
Amid the chaos, rescuers worked tirelessly. A 26-year-old woman trapped beneath concrete was finally pulled free three hours after the strike and rushed to an ambulance.
The city’s mayor, Igor Terekhov, described this assault as the “most powerful attack” since the war’s start.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Tragically, two people lost their lives, and 17 others were wounded, including two children, according to Kharkiv’s regional governor, Oleg Synegubov.
Medical teams have been providing urgent care as the city tries to cope with the aftermath.
Kharkiv was still recovering from an attack just days earlier, when at least 18 people, including four children, were injured.
The brutal cycle of violence shows no sign of slowing down.
Wider Strikes Across Ukraine and Russian Responses
Kharkiv wasn’t the only target overnight. Russian strikes also hit Pavlohrad in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Odesa, Poltava, Vinnytsia, and Ternopil, where attacks were reported for the second night in a row.
In response to perceived Ukrainian provocations, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed retaliation after Ukraine launched a daring strike damaging Russian nuclear-capable planes on their airbases.
Trump Blames Ukraine for Provoking Putin
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump weighed in, blaming Ukraine for provoking the attacks.
Speaking from Air Force One, Trump claimed Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, which targeted Russian nuclear aircraft, gave Putin justification to strike Kharkiv so fiercely.
Moscow Faces Drone Threats and Airport Closures
The conflict’s reach extended to Moscow, where two major airports, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky, were temporarily closed due to drone threats.
The city’s mayor confirmed Russian air defenses shot down four drones during the attacks, and emergency crews are clearing debris.
Drone Activity Near Russian Nuclear Sites Raises Alarm
Russian forces also reported shooting down a Ukrainian drone near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, heightening fears over the conflict’s proximity to critical infrastructure.
Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted other Russian cities such as Ryazan and Smolensk.
No End in Sight as Peace Talks Stall
Despite Ukraine’s recent proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire during talks in Istanbul, Russia has repeatedly refused to halt its military operations.
With about a fifth of Ukraine’s territory under Russian control, the brutal exchanges are showing little sign of easing.