Heavy wave of destruction in Kharkiv: rescuers release footage of the aftermath of a large-scale attack by Russian UAVs
On the night from April 2 to 3, the city of Kharkiv was once again targeted by Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), this massive strike was one of the most destructive in recent times and caused numerous damages and fires across various districts of the city. According to rescuers, during the evening hours of last Friday, Kharkiv was subjected to a targeted attack by kamikaze drones — several neighborhoods experienced loud explosions, leading to destruction and large fires. It has been established that at least ten different objects were burned in the fire and debris. Damage has been reported to residential buildings, industrial and warehouse facilities, vehicles, and infrastructure objects. During this missile-bomb attack, over forty people were injured, including an 11-year-old child. As a result of falling debris and blast waves, several districts of Kharkiv suffered significant destruction. Specifically, in different parts of the city — Slobidskyi, Osnovianskyi, Saltivskyi, and Kyivskyi districts — homes and businesses caught fire, and the fires spread rapidly due to the impact. Eyewitnesses and rescuers report that during the attack, most of the destruction was observed in the private sector, multi-apartment residential complexes, and warehouse areas. Additionally, vehicles and infrastructure objects were damaged. This not only caused physical damage but also shook residents, who were forced to evacuate from damaged districts in search of safety. The SESU publicly displayed video footage showing the extent of the destruction and the scale of fires caused by the strike. The video clearly illustrates how critical the situation became for the city after this massive attack. Authorities and security services warn that this missile strike was one of the largest since the start of the war and urge residents to exercise maximum caution and follow safety protocols. Earlier, on the eve, Russian forces used drones, and the entire city was placed on alert. The slowed-down explosions and seen debris of the drones raised suspicions among local residents about safety, as this attack was yet another proof of Russia’s active use of drones to target infrastructure and civilians in the city. According to Ukrainian military sources, this attack was part of a strategic pressure aimed at disrupting Kharkiv’s vital activities and increasing psychological pressure on the population. Despite efforts by Ukrainian defense forces in anti-aircraft defense, many drone-equipped devices managed to penetrate air defenses, causing panic and destruction. Currently, law enforcement and security services are working to determine the launch sites of the suspected kamikaze drones and are actively engaged in eliminating the consequences of the attack. Local authorities call on residents to remain especially cautious and follow recommendations for safe conduct during air alarm. This nighttime attack once again confirmed that Kharkiv remains one of the main targets of Russian terrorist actions amid the ongoing war. Authorities and rescue services are focused on quickly restoring damaged objects and supporting the affected residents, but the consequences of this widespread destruction will be felt in the hearts and faces of the city’s inhabitants for a long time. **Sources:** SESU Ukraine, Ukrainian media, on-site video recordings.