Ukraine: Kharkiv under repeated attack on 1,500th day of war

As the war against Russia enters its 1,500th day, Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, continues to face relentless aerial bombardments. Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces are employing “new tactics,” launching sustained attacks using ballistic missiles and drones equipped with jet engines. The assault intensified on Thursday night and Friday morning, with multiple strikes hitting residential and commercial areas, leaving at least five people injured, including an eight-year-old girl.

Kharkiv, located just 40 kilometers from the Russian border in northeastern Ukraine, has been targeted by four rocket attacks overnight and at least 20 drone strikes. Local authorities noted that the drones, which are reportedly Iranian-built Shahed models, are capable of rapidly crossing the short distance from Russia to the city, making them challenging to neutralize. This strategy appears to be part of Moscow’s broader effort to weaken Ukraine’s defenses.

Impact on Kyiv and Military Actions

Meanwhile, in Kyiv and surrounding regions, Russia’s daytime missile and drone strikes claimed at least one life. Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the local military administration, confirmed the casualties. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha added that nearly 500 cruise missiles and drones were launched in the most recent wave of attacks. “Russian terrorists reject diplomacy and peace efforts. They must get strong responses that they deserve,” Sybiha stated on X.

Across the country, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Ihnat reported over 400 drone strikes and ten ballistic missile attacks in the last 24 hours. The pattern of attacks suggests a shift in tactics, as Russia follows overnight drone barrages with heavy daytime assaults. This approach, according to Ihnat, is aimed at pressuring civilians and disrupting public services.

Peace Talks and European Union Concerns

Poland’s military responded by scrambling fighter jets as the intensity of the attacks grew. The Polish armed forces confirmed that their airspace was activated due to Russian long-range aviation operations. “Duty jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defense systems as well as radar reconnaissance have reached maximum readiness,” the Polish army posted on social media.

Back in Moscow, former president Dmitry Medvedev criticized Ukraine’s potential EU membership, arguing that the bloc has evolved beyond an economic entity. “The EU is no longer just an economic union; it can transform, and rather quickly, into a full-blown military alliance overtly hostile to Russia,” he claimed. Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of the Security Council, warned that Russia should abandon its “tolerant attitude” toward Ukraine joining the EU.

“It’s time to drop the tolerant attitude toward our neighbors joining what is now a military economic European Union,” Medvedev added, noting possible divisions within NATO could push the EU toward a more militarized role.