Russian bomb strike injures six in Kharkiv
Market and homes set ablaze as city faces renewed aerial attacks
A Russian guided aerial bomb struck Kharkiv overnight, injuring six people and igniting multiple fires, regional officials reported. Governor Oleh Synehubov said five of the victims, all adults, were taken to hospital, while mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that the explosion‑induced blaze engulfed a city market and several residential buildings. Photographs and video footage showed firefighters battling through the night as flames consumed market stalls and nearby structures, with smoke billowing over streets and residents being escorted to safety.
The attack underscores Kharkiv’s persistent vulnerability; the city sits near the Russian border and has endured regular aerial bombardments since the war began in 2022. Local authorities noted that Moscow has increasingly employed heavy guided bombs, weapons that cause extensive damage and are difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to intercept. Ukrainian military spokespeople acknowledged that the type of munition used in this strike poses particular challenges for interception, even as air‑defence systems remain active.
Witnesses described a sudden, terrifying shock as the bomb detonated, shattering windows and scattering debris across the neighborhood. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion followed by the roar of fire, prompting many to seek shelter in underground bunkers and community centers. Emergency crews responded swiftly, deploying hoses and foam to contain the inferno, while medical teams set up triage points to treat the injured on site before transport to hospitals.
No immediate comment came from Russian officials regarding the operation. Both sides of the conflict continue to deny targeting civilians, each claiming that strikes are aimed solely at military infrastructure. Nevertheless, the incident adds to a growing tally of civilian casualties and property loss in Kharkiv, a city that has become a focal point of the ongoing offensive in northeastern Ukraine. Authorities warned that further attacks are possible and urged the population to remain vigilant, keep emergency kits ready, and stay close to designated shelters as the conflict persists.
