Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault across Ukraine early Saturday, killing at least five people in what Kharkiv’s mayor described as the most intense attack on the city since the start of the full-scale war.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city with 1.4 million residents, was hit by 48 Iranian-made drones, two missiles, and four guided bombs before dawn.
He described the strike as “the most powerful attack” on the city since the war began, noting that drones were still active as of 4:40 a.m. local time.
The attack severely damaged residential buildings. At least three people were killed in Kharkiv, and 17 others were injured, including two children, according to regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Emergency services rescued a woman from the rubble of a high-rise building.
The northeastern city had already been struck two days earlier, in an attack that injured 18 people, including four children.
Elsewhere in Ukraine.
Kherson: Russian shelling killed a couple and damaged two apartment buildings, said regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.
Dnipro: Two women, aged 45 and 88, were injured in strikes.
Lutsk (Western Ukraine): A second fatality from Friday’s attack was confirmed—a woman in her 20s.
These strikes come days after Ukraine’s bold drone attacks on Russian air bases, some located deep within Russian territory.
The coordinated operation reportedly damaged nuclear-capable aircraft and drew a vow of retaliation from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Escalating Tensions and Dimmed Ceasefire Prospects
Ukraine has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, most recently during peace talks in Istanbul, but Russia has dismissed the offer. The Kremlin insists the war is “existential,” with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating it concerns “our national interest, safety, and future.”
Putin has issued a series of conditions to halt the fighting, including withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions claimed by Russia, an end to Western military support and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected these terms, calling them outdated ultimatums.
He has instead proposed a summit involving himself, Putin, and former U.S. President Donald Trump to seek a meaningful resolution.
