Russia unleashed a massive overnight attack on Ukraine’s eastern city of Kharkiv early Saturday, killing at least three and injuring 21. The barrage included aerial glide bombs, cruise missiles, and drones—marking the most intense strike on the city since the war began in February 2022. Ukrainian officials confirmed 215 projectiles were launched, of which air defenses intercepted 87 drones and seven missiles.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported extensive damage, with 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes hit. The city’s regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said two city districts were struck by three missiles, five glide bombs, and 48 drones. The wounded included two children, a baby boy and a 14-year-old girl.
This strike came just a day after another major Russian assault left six dead and around 80 injured across six regions, including Kyiv, Lutsk, and Chernihiv. Among the dead were three emergency responders in the capital.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for increased international pressure on Moscow and additional aid to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have continued striking targets inside Russia, including a recent drone attack on military airfields that reportedly embarrassed the Kremlin.
Despite a U.S.-led diplomatic push, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled. Ukraine has offered an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and a summit between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin. The Kremlin has so far rejected the offer and maintained its original war aims.
President Donald Trump commented this week that Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to retaliate for Ukraine’s strike on Russian airbases. Trump also said it may be better to let both sides “fight for a while” before stepping in to negotiate, signaling a potential shift in U.S. strategy regarding mediation.
