Kharkiv Faces Severe Drone Assault as Casualties Rise

The mayor of Kharkiv has reported at least two fatalities and 17 injuries from the largest drone strike on the city as part of escalating Russian aggression, following extensive operations targeting Russian aircraft.

At least two people have died, and another 17 have sustained injuries following a substantial drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that overnight, Russian forces unleashed 48 drones, complemented by two missiles and four gliding bombs, resulting in considerable destruction. Terekhov noted the severe impact on residential structures, with three high-rise buildings struck, and disturbingly, video footage showed portions engulfed in flames.

This attack on Kharkiv comes on the heels of a prior assault where six individuals lost their lives, and 80 were injured nationally when Russia launched over 400 drones along with nearly 40 missiles. Such a coordinated attack raises concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine.

In a daring move, Ukraine's security service, the SBU, earlier reported inflicting significant damage to Russian military capabilities, allegedly striking about 40 aircraft in its counter-operation termed "Operation Spider Web." This initiative utilized 117 drones, cleverly concealed within wooden cabins on trucks, to outmaneuver enemy defenses, with drivers often unaware of their illicit load.

The situation underscores the escalating tension following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022, as both nations continue to leverage drone technology on the battlefield.