Russia's Launches Most 'Powerful Attack' on Ukraine with 400 Drones and 40 Missiles

Kharkiv, one of Ukraine’s largest cities, located just a few kilometers from the Russian border, has been enduring near-constant Russian bombardment for nearly three years.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, posting on Telegram on Saturday morning, described the assault as "the most powerful attack on Kharkiv since the start of the war."

He noted that dozens of explosions were heard throughout the night as Russian forces deployed missiles and drones. The attack targeted multi-story and private residential buildings, educational institutions, and infrastructure facilities, causing significant damage.

Videos shown burned and partially destroyed homes and vehicles. Rescue teams were seen clearing debris and evacuating the injured to safety.

Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that a civilian industrial facility was struck with 40 drones, one missile, and four guided aerial bombs, sparking a fire. He indicated that people might still be trapped under the rubble.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a post on X, stated, "Rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. The Russians launched over 400 drones and more than 40 missiles. Eighty people were injured, and some may still be trapped under the debris. Unfortunately, not everyone in the world condemns such attacks. Putin takes advantage of this. Russia is constantly trying to sow division in global unity."

This attack follows Ukraine’s audacious "Spider Web" drone operation on June 1, 2025, which targeted Russian airbases and damaged or destroyed a significant portion of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the strikes on Kharkiv were a response to these Ukrainian actions, which they labeled as "terrorist acts."

Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks as deliberate strikes on civilian targets, urging stronger international pressure and sanctions on Russia to curb its aggression. The assault underscores the ongoing escalation in the conflict, with both sides engaging in significant military actions as peace talks falter.