Russia drone attack: Kharkiv and Poltava hit in massive overnight strikes
Russia launched a massive new air attack on Ukraine overnight on Monday, 7 October, targeting the cities of Kharkiv and Poltava.
Ukrainian authorities say approximately 20 explosions were heard in Kharkiv, and several fires broke out following the strikes, according to DW.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian forces attacked the city with 25 Iranian-made Shahed drones, all hitting the Nemyshliansky district, home to key industrial facilities, including the 'Turboatom' plant—which manufactures turbines for power stations—and the 'Etalon' company, specialising in construction materials. The attack lasted nearly 20 minutes. No casualties have been reported yet, but fire and ambulance crews are operating under emergency measures.
The Poltava region was also targeted by a wave of drones launched simultaneously from the north and south, according to local authorities. Air raid sirens were sounded repeatedly throughout the night in the Poltava, Myrhorod, Kremenchuk, and Lubny districts. Russian media claims around 30 drones were sent against Poltava, but Ukrainian officials have not confirmed that figure.
The attacks came just one day after the Russian army reportedly used 116 drones against Ukraine, 83 of which were shot down by air defence, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The drones were launched from several Russian regions, as well as from occupied Crimea.
The overnight strikes are part of an intensified wave of Russian air operations, targeting Ukraine's energy and industrial infrastructure which is under growing pressure ahead of winter.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
