Ukraine’s eastern city of Kharkiv was subjected to a fierce attack in the early hours of Saturday (June 7th) by Russian forces using drones, missiles, and gliding bombs, resulting in at least 3 deaths and 22 injuries, including a 1.5-month-old baby. Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that this was the most intense attack since the outbreak of the war in 2022.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian forces launched a total of 215 weapons across Ukraine that night, including 206 drones, 2 ballistic missiles, and 7 other types of missiles.
The Ukrainian military reported that the anti-aircraft forces successfully shot down 87 drones and 7 missiles, while 80 drones lost control, some believed to be unarmed simulators, and others possibly deviated from their course due to electronic warfare tactics, failing to hit their targets.
The military indicated that at least 10 locations were targeted in the attacks.
Mayor Terekhov of Kharkiv stated that the assault damaged 18 apartment buildings and 13 private residences, reaffirming that this was the most severe attack the city has faced since the start of the war.
Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of Kharkiv, pointed out that two areas of the city were hit by 3 missiles, 5 gliding bombs, and 48 drones, with one civilian industrial facility being struck causing a large fire, potentially trapping people under the rubble.
He added that among the wounded were a 1.5-month-old baby boy and a 14-year-old girl.
Footage from the scene depicted multiple homes and vehicles destroyed by fire, with firefighters and rescue personnel continuing search and cleanup operations on site.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took to social media to announce that apart from Kharkiv, Russian forces also attacked Donetsk, Dnipro, Odessa, and Zaporizhzhia.
Sybiha urged the international community to increase pressure on Moscow and take further measures to support Ukraine, putting an end to Russia’s slaughter and destruction.