Explosions rock Kharkiv as city comes under Shahed drone attack
Illustrative photo: people urged to stay in shelters (Getty Images)
Explosions were heard in Kharkiv overnight on June 12 as the city came under attack from strike drones, according to the Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov.
"An explosion was heard in Kharkiv. Be careful! The city is once again under a 'Shahed' drone attack, there are still drones in the air," read a message posted at 01:38 AM Kyiv time.
This information was also confirmed by Syniehubov, who urged residents to remain in safe places until the air raid alert is lifted.
Meanwhile, local channels reported hearing several explosions.
"Preliminarily, the Shevchenkivskyi district was hit. The consequences are being clarified," the mayor wrote at 01:46 AM Kyiv time.
Air raid alert areas
As of 01:45 AM Kyiv time, the air raid alert map showed active warnings in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Donetsk, and parts of the Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Kharkiv strikes
Russian forces continue to attack Kharkiv daily using drones and other weapons. The past day was no exception.
On the night of June 11, Russian troops launched a wave of 15 Shahed drones at the city. The Osnovianskyi and Slobidskyi districts came under fire.
Speaking during a national TV broadcast, the head of the regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov, said that Russian forces are using new tactics to destroy civilian infrastructure and housing.
"Kharkiv was massively attacked by around 15 Shaheds. In total, 17 were launched, if we include the broader region. They struck within a record 1–2 minutes. Russia is changing tactics. First, they significantly increase the altitude of the Shaheds, initially flying at 4,000–5,000 meters, and then sharply descend just before hitting the target," Syniehubov said.
He added that strikes hit 11 locations, with three direct impacts on residential buildings. As a result of the attack, over 60 people were injured and 4 were killed.
