Russian Guided Bombs Kill 2, Wound 17 in Kharkiv Including Children

Russian occupation forces launched guided aerial bomb attacks on the Slobidskyi and Nemyshlianskyi districts of Kharkiv on Friday afternoon, killing 2 people and wounding 17 others, including children. Rescuers warned that additional victims could be found under the rubble.

Residential Buildings Hit

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed the strikes in a statement, noting that at least one of the Russian KAB guided bombs struck directly into a residential house. Emergency services deployed to both affected districts to search for survivors and assist the wounded.

Ongoing Pattern of Attacks

The strikes continue Russia's systematic targeting of Ukrainian cities far from the front line. Kharkiv, located approximately 40 kilometres from the Russian border, has been subjected to repeated aerial bomb attacks throughout 2026. The use of guided munitions allows Russian aircraft to release them from outside Ukrainian anti-aircraft range, making them difficult to intercept.

Ukrainian air defences have been under strain as Russia deployed new jet-propelled drones alongside glide bombs, overwhelming local defence systems. International partners have been urged to provide additional air-defence systems and interceptor missiles to protect Ukrainian cities.