At least 43 wounded in Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv

AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS

At least 43 people were wounded in Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, officials said today, while President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Kyiv’s allies for additional support.

Residential buildings, a kindergarten, and a regional recruitment office were damaged in two waves of attacks, local and military officials reported.

During the second wave, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said six Shahed drones hit the city in northeastern Ukraine within ten minutes, targeting “residential streets, cars, people.”

He stated that a total of 43 people were wounded in both attacks.

Kharkiv, which has been a frequent target since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, appeared to be the hardest-hit city in Ukraine during last night, as Russian drones and missiles struck multiple areas across the country.

In southeastern Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, at least 17 people were wounded, and dozens of residential buildings and a university facility were damaged in a morning drone attack, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported today. In the southern city of Odesa, regional authorities confirmed that one person was killed.

Russia has killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians in air strikes during the war. Moscow claims it does not target civilians directly, although it attacks infrastructure it says supports Ukrainian military operations. Ukraine, on the other hand, has killed a smaller number of civilians in attacks on Russian territory and parts of Ukraine under Russian control.

Zelensky called on Western partners to fulfill promises to strengthen Ukraine’s defense.

“We sincerely count on our partners to fully deliver what was agreed,” Zelensky wrote on the X network.

“Air defense remains an absolute priority for protecting lives.”