Series of explosions hit Kharkiv and Poltava as Russia targets power sites in Slavutych
Photo: The Air Force warned of incoming drones (Getty Images)
Around midnight, a series of explosions was heard in Kharkiv - at least three are known so far, with another one likely occurring outside the city. Explosions were also heard in Poltava, while in Slavutych, Kyiv region, Russia is attacking energy infrastructure, according to Suspilne and a Telegram post by Slavutych Mayor Yurii Fomichev.
Explosions in Kharkiv
“An explosion was heard in Kharkiv,” “Another explosion was heard in Kharkiv,” “A third explosion was heard in the city” - such reports appeared one after another on Telegram media channels.
By 12:27 a.m. Kyiv time on January 5, it became known that an explosion had occurred, likely outside Kharkiv.
Before the explosions, the Air Force had warned of a threat of drone raids in the Kharkiv region. After the loud blasts, alerts also appeared specifying the directions of the UAVs toward particular settlements:
“UAVs heading toward Andriivka, Vvedenka, Zlatopil, Slobozhanske, Lymanivka,” the military reported at 12:07 a.m.
Explosions in Poltava
Poltava was also rocked by loud blasts. At least two explosions have already been reported in the regional center, according to correspondents.
The Air Force had earlier warned of a UAV threat in the Poltava region as well.
“Poltava region - UAVs in the south and center, heading west,” the military wrote at 12:09 a.m.
Slavutych mayor on Russian strikes
It is also known that Russia attacked energy infrastructure in the Kyiv region, in the city of Slavutych, as reported by Mayor Yurii Fomichev on January 5.
“The enemy is attacking energy facilities. As soon as the security situation allows, power engineers will begin restoration work; after that, a clearer understanding of the consequences will be available. In the morning, we will deploy resilience points,” the official wrote shortly after midnight.
Missile strike on Kharkiv on January 2 and attacks on the Poltava region
On January 2, Russian forces struck the center of Kharkiv with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles. They hit a residential high-rise building, damaging a five-story structure and part of the entrance of a four-story apartment building.
A total of 27 people were injured, and six fatalities have already been confirmed. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing at the site of the Russian terror attack. The rubble is still being cleared, and there may be bodies trapped underneath.
About a month ago, Russia also attacked energy infrastructure in the Poltava region. As a result, residents experienced problems with heating and water supply.
