Kyiv: A Russian drone strike devastated Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, overnight, resulting in a tragic death toll. Governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed at least seven fatalities, including three children.
The assault, executed by an Iranian-made Shahed drone, targeted civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv’s Nemyshlyan district, igniting a massive blaze that engulfed 15 private residences.
Efforts to contain the inferno and evacuate affected individuals were promptly mobilized, according to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. By Saturday morning, emergency responders had successfully contained the fire, although the damage wrought was significant.
The Ukrainian air force swiftly retaliated, intercepting and destroying 23 out of 31 Iranian Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight. These aerial assaults primarily targeted the northeastern Kharkiv region and the southern province of Odesa, as detailed in an official statement.
Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region, reported four injuries resulting from the drone attacks in his jurisdiction. The onslaught unfolded in three distinct waves, with the initial wave targeting the regional capital, Odesa. Despite successfully downing all nine drones, the resulting debris inflicted damage on port infrastructure and caused one injury.
Subsequent waves focused on port facilities along the Danube River area, according to Kiper. A total of 12 drones were intercepted and destroyed, resulting in three additional injuries.
Meanwhile, Romania’s Ministry of National Defence disclosed that Russia conducted drone strikes on Ukraine’s river ports of Ismail and Reni, adjacent to the Romanian border. In response, a Turkish Air Force F-16 jet was dispatched from a Romanian airbase to conduct reconnaissance missions, monitoring the situation in national airspace. Residents in neighboring counties were also alerted via text messages to remain vigilant.
NATO member Romania has previously encountered drone debris on its soil following sustained attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure. These actions, orchestrated by Moscow, aim to disrupt Kyiv’s ability to export vital commodities such as grain to global markets.
