A Russian drone assault on Kharkiv late Friday left 47 civilians wounded and triggered a renewed plea from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for stronger international support. Drones struck 12 locations across Ukraine’s second-largest city, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, according to local officials.
Kharkiv regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov confirmed the widespread damage, while the city’s prosecutor’s office stated that the drones used thermobaric warheads—destructive weapons that generate extreme blast waves and heat. Officials warned that their use may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.
“While the world hesitates with decisions, nearly every night in Ukraine turns into a nightmare,” Zelenskyy said on social media, emphasizing the urgent need for reinforced air defense systems. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 77 of 183 Russian drones launched overnight and said 73 more were neutralized through electronic jamming. Russia also launched two ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed its air defenses shot down 170 Ukrainian drones overnight. The Defense Ministry also reported intercepting eight cruise missiles and three guided missiles. In southern Russia, five civilians—including two children—were injured in a Ukrainian drone strike on Novorossiysk, a port city on the Black Sea.
The latest wave of hostilities comes just days after the U.S. and Ukraine finalized an agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, a move seen as a step toward maintaining military aid should President Donald Trump reduce future support in pursuit of a peace agreement.
Zelenskyy said Friday that Ukraine is open to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which could serve as a meaningful pause in the war and allow time for substantive negotiations. However, he criticized Russia’s separate proposal for a 72-hour ceasefire during its upcoming Victory Day celebrations as a public relations ploy.
He warned that a full frontline ceasefire will be difficult to enforce without international oversight but affirmed that Ukraine will continue to mirror Russian actions. Zelenskyy also confirmed ongoing talks with U.S. advisors and indicated that future negotiation rounds may take place in Ukraine.
