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Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025
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Kharkiv Endures Severe Assault as Russia Launches Extensive Airstrikes
The Ukrainian city faces its most powerful attack since the start of the war, resulting in casualties and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.
On June 7, 2025, the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest metropolis, experienced a concerted military assault from Russian forces, marking one of the most intense bombardments since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
According to local officials, at least three individuals have been confirmed dead, with an additional 22 people injured, including a one-month-old infant, as reported by Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
The attack involved the deployment of 48 Shahed drones, alongside guided bombs and missiles, striking both residential and infrastructure targets within the city.
Mayor Terekhov described the scene, stating, "It was a horrible morning in Kharkiv,” as he reported that around 40 explosions were recorded within a span of an hour and a half early in the day.
Initial assessments revealed that at least 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes sustained significant damage during the assault.
In a report issued by the Russian Ministry of Defence, they labeled the strikes as retaliation for a recent Ukrainian drone attack that targeted Russian bomber planes, which they claimed set back their military capabilities by approximately $7 billion.
The Ministry further elaborated that their military operation aimed to strike at various Ukrainian military production sites, including facilities responsible for the assembly of attack drones and locations for military training.
The statement from Russian officials asserted that all designated targets were successfully hit, framing the operation as a necessary response to what they termed "terrorist acts" by the Kyiv regime.
Alongside the offensive in Kharkiv, Russian forces also targeted the northwestern city of Lutsk with drone and missile strikes, resulting in injuries to five individuals.
The severity of the situation was compounded by earlier strikes in Pryluky, a northern Ukrainian city, where six people were killed, including a child.
The recent escalation in violence follows statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding potential retribution for Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields.
In a communication with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin had indicated that Russia would respond rigorously to Ukrainian military actions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the drone offensive against Russian military assets as a significant success, having involved the deployment of over 100 drones in a coordinated attack.
This operation is perceived as a critical maneuver affecting the operational capabilities of Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Kharkiv reflects a broader trend of intensifying military engagements as both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to react forcefully to their respective strategic goals.
According to local officials, at least three individuals have been confirmed dead, with an additional 22 people injured, including a one-month-old infant, as reported by Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
The attack involved the deployment of 48 Shahed drones, alongside guided bombs and missiles, striking both residential and infrastructure targets within the city.
Mayor Terekhov described the scene, stating, "It was a horrible morning in Kharkiv,” as he reported that around 40 explosions were recorded within a span of an hour and a half early in the day.
Initial assessments revealed that at least 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes sustained significant damage during the assault.
In a report issued by the Russian Ministry of Defence, they labeled the strikes as retaliation for a recent Ukrainian drone attack that targeted Russian bomber planes, which they claimed set back their military capabilities by approximately $7 billion.
The Ministry further elaborated that their military operation aimed to strike at various Ukrainian military production sites, including facilities responsible for the assembly of attack drones and locations for military training.
The statement from Russian officials asserted that all designated targets were successfully hit, framing the operation as a necessary response to what they termed "terrorist acts" by the Kyiv regime.
Alongside the offensive in Kharkiv, Russian forces also targeted the northwestern city of Lutsk with drone and missile strikes, resulting in injuries to five individuals.
The severity of the situation was compounded by earlier strikes in Pryluky, a northern Ukrainian city, where six people were killed, including a child.
The recent escalation in violence follows statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding potential retribution for Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields.
In a communication with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin had indicated that Russia would respond rigorously to Ukrainian military actions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the drone offensive against Russian military assets as a significant success, having involved the deployment of over 100 drones in a coordinated attack.
This operation is perceived as a critical maneuver affecting the operational capabilities of Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Kharkiv reflects a broader trend of intensifying military engagements as both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to react forcefully to their respective strategic goals.