Kharkiv, Ukraine - The skies over Ukraine’s second-largest city lit up in flames as Russia launched its most brutal drone onslaught yet. At least three people have been killed and over 20 injured, including a baby and a 14-year-old girl, after 48 drones, two missiles, and four gliding bombs rained down on Kharkiv overnight.

Local Mayor Ihor Terekhov didn’t mince words: "This is open terror."

The deadly strike, which hit 18 apartment blocks and 13 other homes, follows a night of destruction across Ukraine, with more than 400 drones and nearly 40 missiles pounding cities from Kyiv to Chernihiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a "massive strike on cities and ordinary life."

In Kherson, southern Ukraine, two more lives were lost in separate Russian attacks.

Moscow claims the strikes are retaliation for Ukraine’s own recent show of audacity — a surprise drone operation deep inside Russia. Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” reportedly struck 40 Russian warplanes across four military airfields, using drones that were smuggled into the country and hidden in trucks with false roofs.

Amid the chaos, diplomatic confusion is also brewing. Following talks in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a prisoner exchange involving sick, wounded, and underage prisoners — and the return of 12,000 bodies. But disputes erupted this weekend, with Russia claiming Kyiv postponed the deal “indefinitely.”

Ukraine hit back hard. Officials insist the swap is still on, scheduled for next week — accusing Moscow of “playing dirty games” and distorting the agreement's terms.

This latest escalation comes as the war, now in its third year, continues to reshape global alliances and test the limits of international patience. Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea. But even as drones and bombs fly, Ukraine insists its fight is far from over — and is urging global partners to increase pressure on Moscow.

Meanwhile, controversial remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump — suggesting Ukraine provoked the attacks — have drawn international criticism, especially from human rights advocates.

As the death toll rises, Ukraine’s message to the world is urgent: the time for half-measures is over.


By Wafricnews Desk.