Russian forces dropped guided aerial bombs on Kharkiv on Friday evening, killing at least two people and injuring eight others, Ukrainian officials said.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, lies less than 40 kilometers from the Russian border and has faced sustained air and missile attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Strike sets cars ablaze on central roadway
The strike hit one of the city’s busiest roads, setting several cars on fire and damaging nearby residential buildings.
Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attack occurred around 16:00, with explosions reported both in the city and its outskirts. Initial reports indicated a hit in the Shevchenkivskyi district.
According to Terekhov, people were inside some of the vehicles that caught fire. Windows were blown out in nearby apartment blocks and private homes.
Two men killed, infant among injured
Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said two men, aged 40 and 55, were killed. One died at the scene, while the other died in an ambulance.
Eight people were injured, including a nine-month-old girl. Two women sustained blast injuries and were hospitalized, while others suffered acute stress reactions.
Three bombs hit Kharkiv area
Syniehubov said Russian forces launched three guided aerial bombs at the Kharkiv area. Two landed outside the city, while one struck a central roadway, damaging dozens of residential buildings.
Kharkiv has repeatedly been targeted in recent days. On December 24, Russian missile strikes on the suburbs caused power outages and disruptions to heating and public transport across the city.
