Number of injured in Kharkiv rises to 60 following Russia's overnight drone attack PHOTO / UPDATED

The number of casualties from a devastating Russian drone assault on Kharkiv has risen to 60, including nine children, in what authorities described as a massive overnight attack on civilian areas.

Between 00:30 and 00:40 on June 11, Russian drones unleashed a concentrated barrage on two densely populated districts — Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi — according to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, cited by Ukrainian media.

The drones struck residential neighbourhoods, damaging both private homes and apartment blocks, as well as local businesses and industrial facilities. Fires erupted across the targeted zones, with flames consuming shops, market kiosks, vehicles, and even public transport, including trolleybuses.

Tragically, two people lost their lives: a 66-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman. The growing list of the injured includes people suffering from a range of physical injuries and severe stress reactions.

Officials have described the attack as one of the most intense strikes on Kharkiv in recent weeks, with emergency responders continuing to assess the damage and provide care to the wounded.

9:11

Russian forces carried out a large-scale drone strike on the city of Kharkiv during the night of June 11, resulting in numerous direct hits, casualties, and significant destruction.

According to RBC-Ukraine, which cited Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov’s Telegram post and Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES) channel, the attack involved 17 Shahed-type drones, targeting the city’s Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, per Caliber.Az.

“There were direct hits on apartment buildings, private homes, playgrounds, businesses, and public transportation. Apartments are burning, rooftops have been destroyed, vehicles are scorched, and windows shattered,” the statement said.

Terekhov noted that as of this morning, emergency crews, municipal workers, and volunteers are on the ground, working to eliminate the consequences of the attack, assisting victims, and restoring gas, electricity, and water supplies.

“We are holding on. We are helping each other. And we will definitely endure. Kharkiv is in Ukraine. And it cannot be broken,” the mayor emphasised.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine confirmed Terekhov’s account and shared photos showing the aftermath of the attack.

“Apartment buildings, private residences, a civilian enterprise, and other facilities have been damaged. Fires broke out in the Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts. Rescue workers, police, medics, and utility crews are operating at the scene,” SES reported.

“As of now, 54 people have been injured and two killed,” Terekhov added.

This latest attack comes just days after the night of June 7, when Kharkiv experienced what officials described as the most powerful assault on the city since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

During that earlier attack, Russian forces used more than 50 drones, as well as aerial bombs and cruise missiles. At least 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes were damaged, and numerous fires were reported.

That strike also resulted in casualties and injuries among civilians.

By Tamilla Hasanova