Russia has carried out missile and drone attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to dozens more.
According to U.S. media outlet CNN, citing Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, Russia targeted the city on Saturday with at least 40 explosions caused by missiles and drones.
Russia has intensified its aggression after Ukraine used FPV drones to damage 40 Russian fighter jets capable of carrying cruise missiles.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated via Telegram, “The city is facing the most powerful attack since the war began. The enemy is launching simultaneous strikes on various parts of the city using missiles, drones, and guided bombs. This is an act of open terror against unarmed civilians.”
A video released by Ukraine’s emergency services shows a massive fire engulfing a multi-storey residential building in the Osnovianskyi district. Authorities confirmed that two people died in that area. Mayor Terekhov also reported that another person was killed in an attack on a house in the northern district of Kyivskyi.
Ukrainian officials have reported that Russia used more than 50 drones, four guided bombs, and one missile in its latest attack. The assault damaged an administrative building and a music school in Kharkiv.
Among the injured were a 1.5-month-old infant and a 14-year-old girl. Since Friday alone, at least seven Ukrainians have been killed and over 40 injured in Russian attacks.
In response to the latest wave of attacks, Ukraine has claimed it shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet. International media have reported that a Russian military blogger confirmed the downing of the jet and said the pilot was rescued.
On Friday as well, Russia launched deadly drone and ballistic missile strikes across various regions of Ukraine. As peace talks remain a topic of discussion, the Russia–Ukraine war has once again intensified.
Trump Warns of More Sanctions on Russia if Bloodshed Continues
Responding to the latest attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine, saying, “They gave Putin a valid excuse to bomb all night,” while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night.
Trump had previously warned that Moscow might retaliate after Ukraine damaged one-third of Russia’s warships. He said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and reiterated that he supports ending the war. Trump also warned that if the bloodshed does not stop, he is prepared to impose further sanctions on Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “If I feel that Russia is not on the path to a peace agreement or that the bloodshed will not stop, I will definitely impose the necessary sanctions.”
This statement comes after the second round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday, collapsed in less than an hour. However, both sides did agree on a prisoner exchange during the talks.
