(Reuters) Two Russian strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, killed eight civilians and injured at least 10 early on Saturday and in the afternoon, regional officials said.
Ukraine’s national police said the attack was launched by drones, while regional officials said Russian forces used missiles and bombs. The police and local authorities published pictures of fires that had broken out on city streets and next to buildings.
“As of this morning, there are 6 dead and 10 wounded as a result of the night strike on Shevchenkivskyi district,” Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on the Telegram messaging app. Later the death toll rose to seven.
“The attack hit residential areas – at least nine high-rise buildings, three dormitories, a number of administrative buildings, a shop, a petrol station, a service station and cars were damaged,” he said.
The strike occurred just after midnight, news reports said.
“Overnight Russia launched another attack against Kharkiv – Ukraine’s 2nd largest city – killing 6 civilians, injuring others & damaging homes & schools,” U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink said on X social network.
“There is not a second to lose to support Ukraine’s fight to defend its people from such horrific and unprovoked attacks,” she added.