Ukraine says Russian ballistic missiles strike injures 15 in Kharkiv city

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA)—Two Russian ballistic missiles struck a five-story residential building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, injuring at least 15 people, with several others feared trapped under the rubble, local officials reported on Friday.

"The blow fell on a residential multi-story building in the Kyivskyi district of the city. According to preliminary information, there are casualties and significant damage," Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said on Telegram.

Oleh Synyehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, claimed that the Russian army utilized ballistic weapons in the attack, which left the building in the city center "completely destroyed."

"At this time, medics have provided assistance to 15 injured people," Synyehubov said, adding that there is information regarding residents still trapped under the debris.

Emergency services, including law enforcement and medical personnel, are conducting search and rescue operations at the site, where a fire broke out, and the facades of nearby structures were damaged.

Kharkiv, located roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Russian border, remains a frequent target of aerial attacks amid the nearly four-year war.

Russian authorities have yet to comment on the attack, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing conflict.