Kharkiv Under Siege: Russia's Escalating Airstrikes Spark Global Alarm

The northeastern city of Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, endured a terrifying barrage of attacks on Saturday. Mayor Igor Terekhov reported over 40 explosions, calling it the city’s most intense bombardment since the beginning of the war. The strikes, which came shortly after one of the most extensive aerial assaults on Ukraine, left Kharkiv in chaos.

Multiple neighborhoods were struck simultaneously by missiles, drones, and aerial bombs, resulting in civilian deaths and widespread panic. In the Osnovyanskyi district, a large apartment building went up in flames. Terekhov confirmed the deaths of two individuals there, while another fatality occurred in Kyivskyi district due to a missile strike.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry responded with strong condemnation, accusing Russia of “continued terror against civilians.” Minister Andrii Sybiha called for intensified international pressure to stop the violence and destruction. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to halt Russia’s brutal campaign.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its military had achieved all objectives through precise strikes on Ukrainian facilities. According to Ukrainian prosecutors, the attack involved over 50 drones, guided bombs, and a missile, which damaged an administrative building and a music school in Kharkiv.

Civilians were left traumatized. A 14-year-old girl and an infant boy are among the injured, with the baby reportedly suffering from acute stress. One resident, Ruslana Sheveleva, shared a harrowing account of rescuing a neighbor’s family after their home was obliterated.

Meanwhile, disputes arose over a scheduled prisoner exchange. Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky claimed Ukraine postponed the swap and the transfer of deceased soldiers without notice. He said Ukraine’s team didn’t show up at the agreed location, despite prior agreements made during talks in Istanbul.

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters denied the Russian account, saying no repatriation was underway. They accused Moscow of fabricating the story for political gain. Russia also claimed to have started returning over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies, with over 1,200 already at an exchange point.

Separately, Ukraine reported the successful downing of a Russian Su-35 fighter jet near Kursk. Russia hasn't commented, though bloggers confirmed the pilot was rescued. The day before Kharkiv’s strike, Russia launched widespread drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, killing six and injuring many more.