Dramatic scenes are emerging from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which experienced a massive attack on Saturday (June 25). At least two people were killed and 17 others injured as a result of what Mayor Ihor Terekhov described as “the strongest attack [by Russia] since the start of the war” in February 2022. The assault involved at least 40 explosions within a short period. According to Terekhov, the enemy launched missiles, Shahed drones, and guided aerial bombs simultaneously. Reports indicate that over 48 drones, two missiles, and four guided bombs were used during the attack.
Kharkiv, home to more than 1.4 million residents before the war, is located less than 50 kilometers from the Russian border in northeastern Ukraine and has been a frequent target of Russian strikes. On Thursday, 18 people, including four children, were injured in previous attacks. In addition to Kharkiv, other cities like Lutsk have also suffered significant casualties, with at least seven deaths confirmed following recent bombings.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported fatalities among rescue workers in Kyiv who were struck by secondary attacks while responding to initial bombardments. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump partially blamed Ukraine for provoking Russia’s escalation after Ukraine carried out preemptive drone strikes against Russian military bases last weekend.
Rescue efforts continue across affected areas, with teams working tirelessly to extract survivors from burning buildings and rubble.