New escalation: Russia first employs «Chernik» drones for attack on Kharkiv
For the first time in the history of the ongoing conflict, Russian occupation forces carried out a targeted strike on the city of Kharkiv using a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle called «Chernik». Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, announced on his Telegram channel that this drone was used in the attack, marking a new chapter in the tactical assault methods employed by the aggressors. The strike resulted in damage to several cars within a garage cooperative on the city’s outskirts. It is noteworthy that the «Chernik» drone shares similarities with the well-known «Lightning» UAV in terms of destructive power and payload capabilities, but differs in design and technical specifics. Earlier, volunteer Serhii Sternenko reported that the «Chernik-2» variant consists of inexpensive components, carries a warhead weighing 3.5 kilograms, and is equipped with a targeting system that allows for precise hitting of the target. The occupying forces also actively utilize «Lightning» and «Lightning-2» drones to target Kharkiv and its surrounding areas. More details about the technical characteristics and distinctions between these unmanned aircraft can be found via the provided link.