Devastation in Kharkiv: Russian Strikes Escalate Civilian Toll in Ukraine

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was rocked by a series of massive explosions early Saturday as Russia unleashed a wave of missile, drone, and aerial bomb strikes. Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that the attack was the most severe Kharkiv had endured since the full-scale war began. The bombardment caused significant destruction and terror among residents.

The onslaught followed one of Russia’s largest aerial offensives of the war and appeared to be a retaliatory move against a Ukrainian drone operation that damaged a large portion of Russia’s strategic missile fleet. Kharkiv, located close to the Russian border, bore the brunt of this new wave of attacks.

At least three people were confirmed dead. Two died in the Osnovyanskyi district when a residential building caught fire, while another person was killed in Kyivskyi district. Ukrainian authorities stated that over 50 drones, guided aerial bombs, and at least one missile were involved in the attack.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the bombardment as a deliberate assault on civilians and demanded stronger international action. He urged the world to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia to bring an end to the relentless destruction and suffering across Ukraine.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed responsibility for the strike, calling it a precision operation targeting military infrastructure. However, damage reports from local prosecutors included a music school and an administrative building, both civilian sites. This contradiction has raised fresh concerns over Russia’s targeting practices.

Amid the chaos, heartbreaking personal stories emerged. A 14-year-old girl and a 6-week-old baby were among the injured, with the baby suffering from acute stress. Residents like Ruslana Sheveleva recalled the horror of finding neighbors buried under debris, with some survivors barely escaping alive.

Elsewhere, tensions over a planned prisoner of war exchange intensified. Russia accused Ukraine of delaying the swap and the repatriation of soldiers’ remains. Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky said Ukraine failed to appear at the agreed site, despite an earlier agreement during peace talks in Istanbul.

Ukraine rejected Russia’s narrative, asserting that no such exchange was scheduled. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reported shooting down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet in the Kursk region. The pilot was reportedly rescued, though Russian authorities did not issue an official statement regarding the incident.