Ukraine says 7 die in fire caused by Russian strike on Kharkiv

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - At least seven people, including three children, died in a fire caused by a Russian airstrike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv Friday night, head of local military administration Oleh Synehubov said.

The strike hit a fuel tank, causing a leak and the substance to inflame, Synehubov said on Telegram on Saturday, adding that the fire spread to the nearby residential unit primarily consisting of private houses.

"In one of the private residential unit, as a result of a fire, the entire family of five people was killed," he said.

Synehubov emphasized that three of the victims were children, noting that three people also got injured.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's online map tracking air raid alerts showed that warnings were announced in two more Ukraine's regions -- Dnipro and Kirovohrad.

"All circumstances are being established. Relevant services are working on the site. The information will be updated. Eternal memory to the dead," Synehubov said.

The Russian Defense Ministry in a separate statement said three Ukrainian drones were shot down Friday night over the Bryansk region, and 15 over the Belgorod region.

Russia started its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022, and as it approaches its third year the prospects of a settlement remain unclear.