Local officials in Ukraine have reported at least six deaths following a drone attack on the city of Kharkiv, with the mayor stating that Iranian-made Shahed drones targeted several buildings, including apartment blocks, in the early hours of Saturday. This attack comes as part of an escalating series of assaults on Kharkiv, which has been the focus of increased aggression in recent weeks. Ukrainian authorities have expressed concerns that the city may become the target of a future Russian offensive.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov condemned the attack, labeling it as further evidence of Russia’s status as a “terrorist state” and noting that at least 10 people were injured in addition to the casualties. Unverified images released by Ukrainian police depict the scene of the attack, showing damaged and burning buildings with rescuers present.
This drone strike follows previous attacks on Kharkiv by Russian forces, which utilized drones to deadly effect. Additionally, the city of Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine was hit by missile strikes, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries.
The intensification of attacks on Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia underscores the escalating conflict in the region, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and the impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. Developments in the situation continue to unfold, as Ukrainian officials and citizens alike brace for the ongoing crisis.
