Russia Strikes Kill 3, Injure 21 in Kharkiv Overnight

The eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv suffered its most powerful attack since the beginning of the full-scale war, with over 40 explosions caused by a massive Russian strike involving more than 400 drones, missiles, and glide bombs. At least three civilians, including a 1.5-month-old baby, were killed, and 21 to 22 others were injured. The attack damaged 18 apartment buildings, 13 private homes, and a civilian industrial site, which caught fire, while multiple people remained trapped under rubble. Ukrainian officials, including Mayor Ihor Terekhov and Governor Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed the use of Shahed drones and glide bombs, highlighting the increased lethality and difficulty in defense. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, calling for increased global diplomatic pressure on Russia for a ceasefire and peace. Contrarily, US President Donald Trump controversially blamed Ukraine for provoking the strikes by targeting Russian military assets, a stance at odds with Ukrainian and international perspectives.