Russia Strikes Back With ‘Most Powerful Attack’ of War on Ukrainian City

Kharkiv has been hit by a barrage of Russian drones, missiles and bombs in what has been described as the biggest attack Ukraine’s second-largest city has faced in Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

“Kharkiv is facing the most powerful attack it has had in the entire full-scale war,” posted Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram after strikes overnight Friday that other officials said had killed at least three people and injured 19.

Newsweek has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

Russia launched a mass missile and drone strike against Ukraine the previous night, which targeted major cities, including the capital Kyiv, and the far-western regions.

There had been anticipation over Moscow’s response to Ukraine’s bold drone attacks earlier in the week, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, which Kyiv said had taken out of commission one-third of Russia’s air-bomber fleet. Later attacks also damaged the construction of the Kerch Bridge between Russia and Crimea.

What To Know

Kharkiv Oblast is in Ukraine’s northeast and located along the war’s front line, is a regular target of Russian missile, drone, and glide-bomb attacks from across the border.

At least 40 explosions were reported across Kharkiv overnight Friday, as civilian targets were struck by drones, including a nine-story residential building, local enterprise, a home, and other facilities, officials said.

Terekhov reported that 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four guided aerial bombs were launched toward the city, in particular its Osnovyanskyi and Kyiv districts.

At least three people were killed and 18 injured. Among the latter were two children, including a 1-month-old baby, according to local authorities.

On Saturday morning, emergency crews were scouring the rubble looking for victims, with images posted on social media showing the rescue efforts.

There were attacks overnight Thursday that targeted Kyiv and other major cities across Ukraine, killing at least four and injuring 80, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The barrage followed anticipation over how Russia might respond to Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb on four key Russian military airfields, which Kyiv said damaged 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes.

Elina Beketova, fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) think tank, told Newsweek on Thursday that, when it came to retaliation for strikes such as Operation Spiderweb, “Ukrainians aren’t necessarily more alarmed than usual.”

Russia has already been targeting civilians and infrastructure daily, Beketova said, adding that the fear is not about escalation but survival.

That is why people continue to take cautious but determined steps, like using shelters and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, she added.

What People Are Saying

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said: “This is outright terror against peaceful Kharkiv!”

Elina Beketova, of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), told Newsweek: “The fear isn’t just about escalation; it’s about survival. That’s why people continue to take cautious but determined steps, like using shelters and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Inaction could mean occupation—and Ukrainians are not willing to let that happen.

What Happens Next

As Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue to intensify, the prospect of successful peace talks remain distant.

A bipartisan sanctions bill is already awaiting approval in the U.S. Congress, which lawmakers hope could add pressure to Putin.