Strikes Target Kharkiv and Derhachi
In the early hours of February 3, Russian forces launched a multi-weapon assault on Kharkiv and the nearby town of Derhachi, employing ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and strike drones. The attacks resulted in confirmed casualties and substantial destruction. This escalation comes as Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has remained a frequent target for Russian strikes throughout the war.
In Kharkiv specifically, at least two ballistic missile strikes were recorded in the Slobidskyi district. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that the city was struck by a ballistic missile, with the impact occurring precisely in that district. Furthermore, on the evening of February 2, a hostile 'Shahed'-type drone struck the center of Kharkiv.
Casualties and Aftermath
In the nearby town of Derhachi, two individuals were injured as a result of the attacks. The casualties were:
- A 79-year-old woman, who suffered an acute stress reaction;
- A 22-year-old man, who was hospitalized.
Additionally, in Kharkiv's Slobidskyi district on the afternoon of February 2, a drone struck a market, damaging several commercial stalls. Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that Russian forces had targeted the market in that district.
These events provide further evidence of the conflict's escalation in the region and have caused significant alarm among local residents. The attacks on residential areas and civilian marketplaces underscore the persistent risks faced by the non-combatant population, heightening concerns across the region. Such strikes on urban centers continue to draw international condemnation and focus on the humanitarian impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine.