Russia Targets Kharkiv With Thermobaric Drone Attack, Injuring 51

At least 51 people, including two children, were injured in a mass drone attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on May 2, according to regional prosecutors. The attack, which Ukraine says involved at least 15 loitering drones, targeted residential areas and ignited fires across four districts of the city.

The drones, believed to be Iranian-designed Shahed-type "Geran-2" models, were reportedly equipped with thermobaric warheads—explosives that generate intense blast waves and high-temperature clouds. The use of such munitions in civilian areas has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials and international observers, who say it could amount to a war crime.

“There were not and could not be any military targets,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Russia is hitting residential buildings when Ukrainians are at home, putting their children to bed. Only tyrants give and carry out such orders.”

Among the injured were children aged 11 and 16. Several were hospitalized, and widespread damage was reported to homes, schools, businesses, vehicles, and shops. Emergency responders worked overnight to extinguish fires and help victims.

The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office has opened a war crimes investigation under Ukrainian criminal code Article 438, citing deliberate violations of international humanitarian law.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that 12 sites across the city were hit in the attack. The city has been repeatedly targeted since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, but Ukrainian officials say the intensity of strikes is increasing.

Despite public statements from Moscow about its willingness to hold peace talks, Ukraine remains skeptical. “While the world delays decisions, almost every night in Ukraine becomes a nightmare,” said Zelenskyy, renewing appeals to Western allies to boost Ukraine’s air defenses.

In March alone, 164 Ukrainian civilians were killed and over 900 wounded, according to UN figures—most due to drone and missile attacks. The latest strikes on Kharkiv are part of a broader campaign of aerial assaults affecting cities like Kyiv, Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, and Odesa.

Photo: Getty Images