Kiev, Ukraine
(AP) – On Wednesday, Russian forces launched fresh drone strikes across Ukraine, resulting in three fatalities and injuring around 60 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
Kharkiv city, located in northeastern Ukraine, experienced some of the heaviest impacts. Seventeen drones targeted two residential areas, as reported by Mayor Ikhor Telekov. Emergency personnel, local workers, and volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the night to extinguish fires, assist residents escaping their homes, and restore utilities like gas, electricity, and water.
“These are ordinary places of peaceful life; they should never be on the target list,” Telekov expressed in a telegram.
Ole Snyevbov, the Kharkiv Regional Chief, noted that among the deceased were three individuals, including nine children aged between 2 and 15. At least 60 people have been reported injured.
In recent months, Kharkiv has frequently been under fire as Russia has conducted multiple large-scale drone and missile assaults on civilian infrastructure.
Moscow’s military has recently increased the usage of drones and missiles, with a record launch of nearly 500 drones observed on Monday, followed by waves of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.
This attack unfolds amid ongoing conversations about a possible ceasefire. Both sides had exchanged memorandums at the Peace Conference in Istanbul on June 2nd, establishing certain conditions. However, if either side insists on clauses that seem unrealistic, achieving a swift agreement may be difficult.
Wednesday’s assault also led to significant devastation in the Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, damaging residential buildings, playgrounds, industrial sites, and public transportation. Footage shared by Ukrainian emergency services on Telegram depicted burning apartments, broken windows, and firefighters battling the flames.
“We remain resilient. We support one another, and we persevere,” Telekov stated. “Kharkiv is Ukraine, and it will not be broken.” Meanwhile, the Ukrainian air force reported having intercepted 40 out of 85 attacks launched by drones and that one drone was directed toward China overnight. Unfortunately, more than nine drones managed to reach their targets, causing further damage.
