In Kharkiv – consequences of a brutal attack: over 50 wounded, use of Russian thermobaric drones
On the evening of May 2, the city of Kharkiv was again subjected to a massive shelling by Russian forces, who carried out a targeted strike against civilians and regional infrastructure. According to preliminary information received from the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, more than 50 people were injured as a result of the attack. Among the victims are children and teenagers, two of whom are aged 11 and 16, who sustained various wounds and injuries. This indicates increasing brutality and the lack of control over targeted shelling by Russian occupying forces. Official sources report that at least 15 drones were used to carry out this massive assault, several of which were equipped with powerful thermobaric warheads. The attack took place simultaneously in several key districts of the city: Osnoviansky, Slobozansky, Saltivsky, and Kyivskyi. According to witnesses and local emergency services, during the winter attack, a series of fires were recorded due to explosions, leading to significant damage to residential buildings, commercial facilities, and infrastructure. The Prosecutor’s Office notes that the use of thermobaric weapons by the Russians has a particularly destructive impact on the population and environment. In the official statement, the agency stated: “Such weaponry creates a powerful shock wave and a high-temperature cloud, causing extensive destruction and numerous civilian casualties. The use of thermobaric charges is especially dangerous and constitutes a deliberate violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits atrocious methods of warfare and aims to protect civilians from such acts.” Legal and humanitarian organizations do not hide their concern regarding the deployment of such weapons, which not only destroy residential areas and the city’s infrastructure but also pose a threat to civilians’ lives, undermining the security and stability of Kharkiv. Local authorities and law enforcement have intensified efforts to investigate the incident and are calling on residents to be cautious, avoid dangerous zones, and cooperate with rescue services. The international community condemns Russia’s use of such types of weapons, calling them a violation of humanitarian norms and urging accountability for crimes against the civilian population in Ukraine. While Kharkiv remains under threat from the aggressor, the city’s residents hope for a swift return of peace and security to their homes.