Russian Drone Strikes Devastate Kharkiv, Casualties Reported
Russian drone strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left over 30 injured in the city of Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine, as reported by local authorities on Friday. This attack comes amid escalating aerial assaults between Russia and Ukraine, despite ongoing appeals from U.S. President Donald Trump for both sides to negotiate a ceasefire after more than three years of intense conflict.
The drone strikes, which occurred late Thursday, targeted residential and office buildings in Kharkiv, sparking several fires as reported by Ukraine’s state emergency service on Telegram. According to their statement, the attack took place in one of the city’s districts, leading to significant damage to both residential structures and an administrative building, with four distinct fires breaking out as a result.
City Officials Confirm Death Toll and Injuries
Kharkiv’s mayor, Igor Terekhov, updated the public via Telegram, revealing the grim news that the death toll had risen to four by Friday morning. He mentioned that the fourth body had been recovered from beneath the rubble in addition to the three previously confirmed fatalities. Additionally, both the state emergency service and Oleg Synegubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, indicated that 35 individuals had sustained injuries during the attack, with Terekhov himself estimating the number to be around 32.
In surrounding Ukrainian regions, reports indicated that six more people had been injured, with local authorities attributing these incidents to Russian strikes. Particularly, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Sergiy Lysak noted on Telegram that 13 drones were intercepted in that region amid the extensive drone assault, which caused damage in the city of Dnipro and its suburbs.
Ukraine and Russia Intensify Aerial Assaults Amid Ceasefire Talks
As drone attacks escalate, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported on Friday that its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed a staggering 107 Ukrainian drones overnight. Among these were 34 intercepted over the Kursk region and another 30 shot down over the Oryol region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone assaults have also resulted in casualties, with a report from Bryansk region governor Aleksandr Bogomaz indicating that one person had died and another was injured due to a Ukrainian drone attack on a village.
In a statement, Bogomaz revealed that two residents suffered shrapnel wounds following the assault, leading to the unfortunate death of one man. These attacks unfold concurrently as Russia seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S. during a visit from its top economic negotiator to Washington, where discussions aimed at improving relations are taking place.
Ceasefire Negotiations Continue Despite Ongoing Violence
President Trump has been advocating for a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations, reaching out to President Vladimir Putin in hopes of facilitating a ceasefire in Ukraine. This development comes in light of Washington’s previous assertions that both Kyiv and Moscow had expressed willingness to “develop measures for implementing” a halt in aggressions targeting energy infrastructure.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the violence has persisted, with both Ukraine and Russia reporting attacks on their energy sites. Kyiv has called on Washington to increase sanctions against Moscow, citing violations of agreements that were made during negotiations in Saudi Arabia last month.
