Russian Strikes Near Kharkiv Kill Four, Including Children, Ukrainian Officials Say

Russian strikes near the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv have killed at least four people, including children, according to Ukrainian regional authorities.

Officials said the attack targeted residential areas in communities close to Kharkiv, causing significant destruction to private homes and civilian infrastructure.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the explosions were reported, and rescue workers recovered the bodies from damaged buildings.

Among the victims were children, local officials confirmed, describing the incident as another deadly assault on civilian-populated areas. Several other residents were reported injured and were transported to medical facilities for treatment. The extent of structural damage in the affected area is still being assessed.

Kharkiv and surrounding regions have faced repeated shelling and drone attacks since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russian forces of continuing strikes on populated areas, while Moscow maintains that its operations focus on military objectives.

Regional officials said search and rescue operations continued for several hours to ensure no additional victims were trapped under debris. Law enforcement and military investigators are examining the site to determine the type of weapons used and gather evidence regarding the strike.

The latest attack underscores the ongoing volatility in northeastern Ukraine, where cross-border shelling and aerial strikes have intensified in recent months.

SOURCES: Reuters, The Associated Press (AP )