**Escalation in Kharkiv: Russian Drone Strikes Claim Lives**

**A recent drone barrage by Russia in Kharkiv has left three dead and numerous injured, further emphasizing the growing scale of conflict in the region.**

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, resulted in the deaths of three civilians and left 64 others injured, including nine children. The attack, which occurred overnight, ignited fires in residential areas and led to damage across various locations in the region.

This recent assault is part of a broader trend of intensified missile and drone attacks by Russian forces, with nightly bombardments expanding to numerous cities across Ukraine. Earlier this week, Kyiv endured one of the most severe drone offensives since the conflict began. Ukrainian Air Force units reported successfully intercepting 49 out of 85 drones launched during the Kharkiv attack.

The damage from the drone assault was not limited to Kharkiv; the Donetsk and Odesa regions also reported strikes, with local authorities confirming damage to residential buildings, vehicles, and even civilian boats. Fires erupted in various areas, including a trolley bus depot and a children's playground, illustrating the widespread havoc wreaked by these strikes.

As the conflict continues to escalate and civilian casualties rise, the situation in Ukraine remains dire, raising urgent questions about the safety and security of its inhabitants amid ongoing hostilities.