Russian missiles struck three sites in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, early on Friday, killing at least three people and injuring 16, local officials reported. The attack targeted a five-story apartment block, a shop in a three-story building, and a sewing factory. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated that the strikes, which hit the city’s Novobazarskyi district, employed the “double tap” technique, delivering a second strike shortly after the initial one. Preliminary information suggests that S-300 missiles were used.
“The third, fourth, and fifth floors are destroyed, stairwells were destroyed, facades were destroyed,” Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov described to public broadcaster Suspilne, referring to the damage sustained by the apartment building. Syniehubov mentioned that at least two children were among the injured, with the attack occurring around midnight local time. He also warned that residents might be trapped under the rubble.
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Kharkiv Police Chief Volodymyr Tymoshko told Suspilne that the death toll is expected to rise due to the extent of the destruction and potential shrapnel injuries. Kharkiv, which resisted Russian advances in the early weeks of the invasion, has faced repeated attacks in recent weeks.
Moscow denies deliberately targeting civilians. Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, thousands have been killed and injured.
