New Delhi: At least three people were killed and 21 others suffered injuries after Russia launched a drone and missile attack on the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine on Saturday.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes were damaged. He said the Russian military used 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four aerial glide bombs in the attack. “We have a lot of damage,” he said to news agency AP. CCTV footage also revealed several stories of one building engulfed in flames.
Russia: Attack was retaliatory
The attack reportedly came after Ukrainian forces carried out a bold raid on Russian airfields last week. In response, Russia claimed its latest strikes were retaliation for “terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime”. The Ukrainian drone strikes had reportedly targeted strategic warplanes at four airbases within Russia.
Operation Spider’s Web
Last Sunday, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported that at least 40 Russian aircraft were struck during Operation Spider’s Web. According to Ukrainian officials, 117 drones were used. These drones were reportedly smuggled into Russia, hidden in wooded cabins at the back of lorries. The drones were covered by remote-operated detachable roofs and transported to various locations near Russian air bases by drivers who were apparently unaware of the cargo. They were then launched from remote sites.
US President Donald Trump commented that Ukrainians had given Russian President Vladimir Putin “a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night”. His remarks have raised questions about whether he supports peacemaking efforts or encourages escalation.
The Russo- Ukraine war started in February 24, 2022.
