Kharkiv Under Attack: Consequences of Nighttime Shelling

In the early hours of April 3, the city of Kharkiv faced a severe assault from the Russian military, resulting in significant damage and civilian injuries. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), a drone strike in the Osnovyansky district led to one person being injured. The drone struck a four-story non-residential building, igniting a fire on the roof and top floor that spread over an area of approximately 320 square meters.

The Kharkiv regional police confirmed the occurrence of multiple attacks throughout the night. They noted that Russian forces launched combined assaults on three districts of the city: Osnovyansky, Kyivsky, and Shevchenkivsky. In the Osnovyansky district, an office building was damaged, and a 70-year-old security guard sustained injuries during the attack.

In the Kyivsky district, police reported damage to a private home, which resulted in a 27-year-old woman and her newborn son experiencing acute stress reactions. This incident highlights the serious consequences of the attack for civilians caught in the conflict zone, emphasizing the psychological impact of such violence on vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, as dawn broke, the city endured missile attacks that shattered windows in residential apartment buildings. A 63-year-old woman was hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the strikes, while another 18-year-old resident suffered an acute stress reaction. These incidents underscore the ongoing assaults on civilian infrastructure, which not only damage property but also threaten lives.

In the Shevchenkivsky district, law enforcement officials confirmed strikes near the central park area. Investigative teams, including forensic experts and explosives specialists, were deployed to the scene to conduct thorough investigations into the shelling incidents. Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to war crimes.

Earlier reports indicated that at least 20 strikes from Russian drones were recorded in Kharkiv within a single day. The attacks have persisted for over a day with short intervals, indicating an alarming increase in the intensity of shelling. On April 2, the occupiers launched several strikes on Kharkiv, with Mayor Ihor Terekhov reporting at least 11 attacks in the Kyivsky district alone. He also noted that Russian forces have begun using reactive Shahed drones for their assaults on Kharkiv, raising further concerns among the city's residents.

This situation highlights the grim reality faced by the inhabitants of Kharkiv, who continue to live under the constant threat of aggression. City authorities and law enforcement agencies are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of citizens, but the situation remains precarious and challenging.