Russia carried out a massive drone and missile strike against Ukraine overnight on Saturday, targeting critical infrastructure and residential areas, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people, including two children, in Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials confirmed.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that the attack involved approximately 480 drones and 29 missiles, with targets reportedly focused on Ukraine’s energy sector and railway infrastructure across multiple regions.
He condemned the continued assaults, saying, “Russia has not abandoned its attempts to destroy Ukraine’s residential and critical infrastructure. International partners must continue supporting Ukraine with air defence systems and military assistance.”
According to the Ukrainian air force, air defence units intercepted 453 drones and 19 missiles during the assault. However, nine missiles and 26 attack drones reportedly penetrated defences and struck at least 22 locations.
Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said the city of Kharkiv was hit by both drone and missile attacks, with a ballistic missile striking a five-storey residential building and killing seven people.
Emergency responders described the scene as devastating as white smoke rose from the ruins while rescue workers retrieved bodies from the destroyed structure.
A local resident, Hanna, recounted arriving at the scene shortly after the explosion, saying she was overwhelmed by shock and fear upon seeing the destruction.
In Kharkiv, at least 15 people were wounded, while 19 residential buildings were damaged. Commercial and administrative facilities, electricity distribution lines, and vehicles were also affected.
In the capital Kyiv, three people were injured, and heating services were disrupted in 2,806 apartment buildings across four districts after Russian strikes hit a key energy infrastructure facility, according to government officials.
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