Ukraine's Kharkiv targeted by 18 Russian drones, power outages hit city

In the early hours of Wednesday, September 24, Kharkiv was targeted by 18 Russian kamikaze drones, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. 

The primary strike hit a critical energy infrastructure facility, resulting in widespread power outages across the city, Ukrainian media reports.

The attack also caused damage to residential buildings, commercial properties, and multiple vehicles. “Specialists from Kharkivoblenergo and the city's municipal services are currently working to eliminate the consequences. We are doing everything possible to restore power as soon as possible and help people,” Terekhov said.

While the water supply has largely been maintained, some areas are experiencing interruptions in hot water due to the electricity outages. Teams from Kharkivteploseti are addressing these issues.

The disruption to energy facilities in the Kholodnogorsk and Shevchenko districts has also affected ground public transport. Buses have been deployed to replace trolleybuses and trams along affected routes.

The State Emergency Service reported four separate fires in the Kholodnogorsk district, including a shop, a farm building, and other facilities. Private homes and vehicles were damaged.

According to the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, a 24-year-old man suffered explosive injuries and was hospitalised.

The nearby town of Chuhuiv also suffered damage. Residential buildings, garages, and cars caught fire at two addresses, resulting in one injury. In the village of Bugaivka in the Chuhuiv district, a residential house and farm buildings were destroyed by flames.

Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and work on restoring essential services across the affected areas.

By Tamilla Hasanova