Russia hits Kharkiv with biggest drone strike of war, killing 3 and injuring 17. Ukraine demands ceasefire as tensions and global concern escalate.
Russia Launches Kharkiv’s Biggest Drone Strike Since War Began
Russia launched its most powerful drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, killing three and injuring at least 17 early Saturday. Kharkiv’s mayor called it the biggest assault since the war began. Russia also targeted Kherson, killing two more. The strikes follow intensified military activity on both sides, as Ukraine seeks a ceasefire and Russia rejects peace talks. Meanwhile, escalating drone and missile exchanges continue, threatening to further destabilize the region amid growing Western concerns.
Massive Russian Drone Attack Hits Kharkiv
Early Saturday, Kharkiv—Ukraine’s second-largest city—faced what officials are calling its “most powerful attack” since the war began in February 2022. The Russian strike killed three people and injured at least 17, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov. A multi-story residential building was heavily damaged, with one woman rescued alive from the rubble. Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that among the injured were two children.
In Kherson, a Russian missile strike on a multi-story building killed two additional people. And in Lutsk, a woman was found dead after a prior Russian strike. Ukraine’s air force said Russia used 407 drones, one of the largest single-strike drone deployments, plus 45 cruise and ballistic missiles. Six people were killed Friday in Kyiv, Chernihiv and Lutsk. Ukrainian forces retaliated with strikes on Russian military targets in Saratov and Ryazan, damaging nuclear-capable bombers. As Ukraine pushes for an unconditional, immediate 30-day ceasefire at peace talks in Istanbul, Russia continues to reject such proposals. Moscow, which now controls nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, called Ukraine’s drone strikes acts of “terrorism.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said three emergency responders were killed during Russian attacks in Kyiv, with more than 80 others injured nationwide. Russia’s defense ministry said it targeted military and dual-use facilities in response to Ukrainian “terrorist acts.” Analysts noted it could take years to replace Russia’s damaged strategic bombers. Russia also intercepted 82 Ukrainian drones, including six near Moscow. In Belgorod, a train derailed after a drone strike. Additionally, Russian National Guard forces reported killing a suspect planning a drone attack near a military facility in Ryazan. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized U.S. lawmakers for underestimating Russia’s military buildup. After talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Merz said Trump assured him the U.S. won’t withdraw from NATO. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov slammed Trump’s description of the conflict as a “playground dispute“, calling the war an “existential issue for Russia.“ Russia asked the UN nuclear watchdog to mediate over U.S.-supplied nuclear fuel at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Russia’s central bank unexpectedly cut its key interest rate by one full point due to easing inflation and a stronger ruble — its first rate cut since September 2022. The situation between Russia and Ukraine remains dangerously volatile. As Kharkiv endures its worst attack since the invasion and both sides escalate military operations, international concerns grow. Calls for ceasefire are intensifying, but peace remains elusive amidst ongoing drone warfare and diplomatic tensions.Wider Strikes Across Ukraine
Ukraine Calls for Ceasefire Amid Escalation
Russian Response and Strategic Situation
Political Reactions and Global Tensions
Economic Moves
