Reports from local officials in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, indicate that Russian forces launched a deadly assault overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals and injuries to 11 others. Governor of the Kharkiv region revealed that missile strikes caused significant damage to residential buildings, a gas station, a kindergarten, a cafe, a shop, and several vehicles.
The attack involved the deployment of 32 Iranian-made Shahed drones and six missiles by Russian forces. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted and downed three cruise missiles and 28 drones, according to a statement by Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk. The general condemned the ongoing aggression, stating that 'Russian killers continue to terrorize Ukrainians and attack Kharkiv and other peaceful cities.'
While the Russian military has not officially commented on the strikes, they reported that Ukraine fired Vampire rockets at Russia on Saturday morning. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that all 10 rockets were intercepted and destroyed over the border region of Belgorod by Russian air defense systems.
The situation remains tense as both sides engage in military actions, escalating tensions and causing significant harm to civilians and infrastructure. The international community closely monitors the developments in the region as efforts to de-escalate the conflict continue.