Russia launches back-to-back drone attacks on Ukraine’s Kharkiv

Russian forces launched drone strikes on Kharkiv city in Ukraine for the second consecutive day on Monday, targeting the city's Kyivsky district with kamikaze drones in the early hours, Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed, reported Reuters.

The attacks resulted in fires, with emergency services responding to the incidents. By 5:55 am, authorities reported a sixth explosion in the same vicinity. Two individuals experienced acute stress reactions and received immediate medical attention. The strikes damaged an educational facility's facade and windows, broke windowpanes in surrounding high-rise buildings, and affected several private vehicles, according to Terekhov.

"More than a dozen drones struck Kharkiv today, one of Ukraine's largest cities," Kyiv Independent quoted governor Oleh Syniehubov writing on Telegram after the attack. "No country should have to endure this," he said.

Situated in northeastern Ukraine, Kharkiv stands as the nation's second-largest city, positioned approximately 40 kilometres from the Russian border. Before the full-scale invasion, this significant industrial, scientific, and cultural centre housed over 1.4 million residents.

Russian forces consistently attack Ukrainian regions using various weapons, including attack drones, missiles, guided aerial bombs (KABs), and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). Although Russian officials continue to deny deliberately targeting civilian populations and infrastructure, these strikes frequently impact hospitals, schools, kindergartens, energy facilities, water systems, and residential areas, causing civilian casualties and extensive damage.

On Sunday, Russian drone strikes had hit a military hospital, shopping centre and apartment blocks in Kharkiv, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries, whilst US president Donald Trump expressed outrage at Russian president Vladimir Putin.