Russian Drone Strike Injures 47 in Kharkiv City/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Russian drone attack injured 47 people in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, causing widespread damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed calls for stronger Western air defense support. The strike follows ongoing peace talks and a proposed 30-day U.S.-backed ceasefire.
Kharkiv Drone Strike Quick Looks:
- 47 people injured in Russian drone attack on Kharkiv.
- Thermobaric drones caused widespread destruction, officials say.
- 12 city locations hit, including homes and infrastructure.
- Zelenskyy demands urgent air defense aid from allies.
- Ukraine’s air force intercepted 77 of 183 incoming drones.
- Russia claims 170 Ukrainian drones shot down in response.
- Novorossiysk, Russia hit by drone strike, injuring 5, including 2 children.
- Zelenskyy supports U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire to begin peace process.
Deep Look: 47 Injured in Russian Drone Assault on Kharkiv, Zelenskyy Presses for Air Defense Support
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – A wave of Russian drone attacks targeted Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, late Friday, wounding 47 civilians and devastating neighborhoods in what Ukrainian officials called a deliberate use of thermobaric munitions. The assault triggered fresh demands from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for stronger military support from Western partners.
“While the world hesitates with decisions, nearly every night in Ukraine turns into a nightmare,” Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter) early Saturday, urging for “strong and real” decisions to bolster Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Attack Details and Aftermath
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that Russian drones struck 12 separate locations across the city. The barrage damaged residential buildings, civilian vehicles, and key infrastructure. Oleh Syniehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, said the attacks occurred late Friday and were aimed at destabilizing civilian life.
The Kharkiv Prosecutor’s Office reported that thermobaric warheads—also known as fuel-air explosives—were used in the drones. These weapons unleash intense heat and overpressure, creating a deadly blast radius. Officials say this could signal a violation of international humanitarian law.
“The use of thermobaric munitions in civilian zones may constitute a war crime,” the prosecutor’s office stated in a Telegram post.
Ukraine’s Air Defense Strains
Ukraine’s Air Force said it was targeted by a massive overnight aerial offensive, including 183 Russian drones and decoys. Of those, 77 drones were successfully intercepted, while an additional 73 were electronically jammed. Russia also fired two ballistic missiles in the same period.
In contrast, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 170 Ukrainian drones, along with eight cruise missiles and three guided missiles launched by Ukraine.
Russian Territory Also Struck
In southern Russia, a Ukrainian drone strike hit the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, injuring five civilians, including two children, according to Mayor Andrey Kravchenko. The city is a major shipping hub and has been targeted in past escalations.
Ceasefire Proposal and Mineral Deal with U.S.
The spike in violence follows a landmark agreement signed Wednesday between the U.S. and Ukraine, giving Washington access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources. The deal is seen as a strategic step to ensure continued U.S. military aid, particularly amid concerns that President Donald Trump may reduce American involvement in the war.
Speaking from Kyiv, President Zelenskyy expressed support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal from the United States, offering a window for serious diplomatic engagement.
“Let’s be honest — you can’t agree on anything serious in three, five, or seven days,” he said. “A month offers a realistic chance.”
Zelenskyy called Russia’s planned 72-hour ceasefire next week, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations, an insincere gesture.
“It’s just for show, so Putin’s guests in Red Square feel safe,” he said.
Outlook for Peace and Diplomacy
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s military actions would mirror Russia’s during the ceasefire window. He noted that establishing a full frontline halt would be nearly impossible without international oversight, but said the 30-day window is a viable foundation for future negotiations.
He confirmed efforts to convene a new international advisory round, hoping it could take place in Ukraine. The talks are being coordinated with U.S. officials, even as political leadership changes in Washington add uncertainty.
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