Russia has launched the largest barrage of drones on Ukraine’s second largest city since the onset of the full-scale invasion over three years ago. Vladimir Putin’s forces launched a combined drone and bombing assault on Kharkiv in the northeast of the country, killing three and injuring 21. Moscow utilised aerial glide bombs, which can travel long distances after being released from planes.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four aerial glide bombs were used, damaging 18 apartment buildings and 13 homes. He added: “Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most powerful attack in the entire time of the full-scale war. As of this moment, at least 40 explosions have been heard in the city in an hour and a half. The enemy is simultaneously striking with missiles, ‘shaheeds’ and guided aerial bombs.”
Shocking images have emerged from the scene, flats turned to rubble as grey smoke and dust clouds billow into the sky.
Footage on social media also reportedly shows emergency crews pulling survivors out from the wreckage and rescue them from burning buildings.
This comes just one day after six people were killed and 80 injured in strikes across Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the death of three emergency responders in Kyiv, two in the northern city of Chernihiv, and one in the northwestern city of Lutsk.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia was responding to the attacks on its bombers last weekend, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, by targeting civilians, blocks of flats, and energy infrasructure.
The air force said 407 drones were used – one of the largest numbers in a single attack – as well as 45 cruise and ballistic missiles.
Operation Spiderweb, which was 18 months in the making, involved reportedly wiped out 40 Russian aircraft across four of its airbases.
Ukraine said 117 drones were smuggled across the border in wooden cabins on trucks with detachable roofs, which were then launched remotely near the bases.
