Category
Latest news

Russia Strikes Kharkiv With Thermobaric Shahed Drones, Injuring Dozens

2 min read
Authors
Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
AUTHOR
Russia Strikes Kharkiv With Thermobaric Shahed Drones, Injuring Dozens
Ukrainian rescuers assist residents after a Russian drone strike damaged a residential building in Kharkiv on May 3, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

Late on May 2, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on the city of Kharkiv, resulting in dozens of injuries, widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, and multiple fires across four city districts.

According to local authorities, the strike began shortly after 9:30 p.m. local time, with Ukrainian Air Force units detecting incoming drones and issuing alerts. Within minutes, explosions were reported in several areas. By 10:35 p.m., at least 17 strikes had been confirmed across the city.

The assault involved at least 15 Shahed-type drones, also known by their Russian designation “Geran-2,” according to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

Russian forces used strike drones armed with thermobaric warheads in the attack, the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported. These munitions produce a powerful blast wave and high-temperature pressure cloud, causing extensive destruction and posing a heightened risk of mass civilian casualties.

Fire-damaged apartment building and burned-out vehicle in Kharkiv following a Russian drone strike on May 2. (Source: DSNS Kharkivshchyny)
Fire-damaged apartment building and burned-out vehicle in Kharkiv following a Russian drone strike on May 2. (Source: DSNS Kharkivshchyny)

Their use in populated urban areas is considered especially dangerous and may indicate a deliberate violation of international humanitarian law.

The impact sites included four districts: Slobidskyi, Saltivskyi, Kyivskyi, and Osnovianskyi. Fires broke out at multiple locations, damaging high-rise and private residential buildings, vehicles, businesses, and civilian infrastructure.

Notable incidents included a fire on the roof of a nine-story apartment building in Osnovianskyi district and several vehicles set ablaze in Slobidskyi district. In Saltivskyi, a drone impacted the ground near a residential building, damaging cars and nearby structures.

Emergency crews operate amid debris of a destroyed residential area in Kharkiv following a Russian drone attack. (Source: DSNS Kharkivshchyny)
Emergency crews operate amid debris of a destroyed residential area in Kharkiv following a Russian drone attack. (Source: DSNS Kharkivshchyny)

By early morning on May 3, the number of people who sought medical assistance had risen to 51, including two minors aged 11 and 16. Eight individuals remain hospitalized with moderate injuries, according to Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Syniehubov.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the attack by reiterating that the targeted areas contained no military infrastructure. He called on Ukraine’s partners to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities, stating that “only force and sanctions can stop Russia.”

Earlier, on May 1, Russia launched a drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, injuring 29 civilians and damaging dozens of residential buildings, a school, and a locomotive repair plant. A 61-year-old man initially reported dead was later found alive under the rubble, according to regional officials.

See all