Latest Russian drone attack in Ukrainian Kharkiv and Dnipro injures dozens

A deadly wave of Russian drone strikes battered the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Dnipro late Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring 46 others, according to Ukrainian officials.

The attacks marked another brutal chapter in Russia’s ongoing assault on civilian infrastructure as diplomatic hopes dim.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city and a frequent target since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, 16 separate strikes rocked residential and medical facilities.

“A high-rise apartment block was hit, as were private homes, a medical facility and civilian infrastructure,” said Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram.

Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed 45 injuries, including two children and a pregnant woman.

Photos shared by public broadcaster Suspilne showed flames engulfing buildings and firefighters scrambling to respond. One drone reportedly smashed into the eighth floor of an apartment block. At least two medical facilities were damaged in the attack.

Meanwhile, in Dnipro, a southeastern Ukrainian city, Russian drones triggered multiple fires, killing a 53-year-old man and injuring another, said Serhiy Lysak, governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region.

“A difficult night for Dnipro,” he posted, adding that nine Russian drones were intercepted overnight but not before damage was done to private homes.

The onslaught comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts. The United States, once actively mediating peace efforts, warned it would step back from the process unless both Kyiv and Moscow present concrete ceasefire proposals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end.

In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded a 30-day ceasefire, citing humanitarian concerns.

While both Russia and Ukraine continue to deny intentionally targeting civilians, the rising toll on residential neighborhoods suggests otherwise.

Just last month, a similar drone barrage in Dnipro left four dead and destroyed a hotel and restaurant complex.