Mass Russian drone attack hits Kharkiv, injuring twenty one

Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.

Emergency services in Ukraine reported that a series of drone strikes hit central Kharkiv overnight, igniting fires and damaging multiple buildings. Officials stated that at least 12 drones were used in the attack. Images shared on Telegram showed firefighters working to extinguish flames amid debris.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed the strikes, stating that the city—located approximately 30 kilometers from the Russian border—has been frequently targeted since the conflict began in February 2022.

Reports of additional drone strikes also emerged from the central city of Dnipro, where regional governor Serhiy Lysak said fires had broken out. Photos shared online depicted plumes of smoke rising over the area.

Russia has not issued an official statement regarding the attack. Moscow has previously defended its military operations in Ukraine as targeting infrastructure and security threats, while Kyiv and its allies have condemned strikes on civilian areas.

The ongoing conflict has seen an increase in drone and missile attacks, particularly in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials continue to call for additional air defense support, while diplomatic efforts to ease hostilities remain at an impasse.

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kharkiv Ukraine Russia