Russian drone attack wounds 47 in Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv
[May 03, 2025]
By HANNA ARHIROVA
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s
second-largest city, wounded 47 people, officials said, and prompted
another appeal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for more
decisive support from the country’s allies.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said drones hit 12 locations across the city
late Friday. Residential buildings, civilian infrastructure and vehicles
were damaged in the assault, according to Kharkiv regional Gov. Oleh
Syniehubov.
The Kharkiv Prosecutor’s Office said Saturday that Russian forces used
drones with thermobaric warheads. In a statement on Telegram, it said
thermobaric weapons create a powerful blast wave and a hot cloud of
smoke, causing large-scale destruction. The prosecutor said its use may
indicate a deliberate violation of international humanitarian law.
“While the world hesitates with decisions, nearly every night in Ukraine
turns into a nightmare, costing lives. Ukraine needs strengthened air
defense. Strong and real decisions are needed from our partners — the
United States, Europe, all our partners who seek peace," Zelenskyy wrote
on X in the early hours of Saturday.
Russia fired a total of 183 exploding drones and decoys overnight,
Ukraine's air force said. Of those, 77 were intercepted and a further 73
lost, likely having been electronically jammed. Russia also launched two
ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 170
Ukrainian drones overnight. The ministry said eight cruise missiles and
three guided missiles were also intercepted.
In southern Russia, five people, including two children, were injured in
a drone strike on the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk overnight,
according to Mayor Andrey Kravchenko.
Zelenskyy favors a 30-day ceasefire proposed by US
The latest wave of attacks comes after the U.S. and Ukraine on Wednesday
signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s vast mineral
resources. It finalizes a deal months in the making that could enable
continued military aid to Kyiv amid concerns that President Donald Trump
might scale back support in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.
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In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency
services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian
attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Ukrainian
Emergency Service via AP)
Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Friday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is
prepared to pursue a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States.
He said the proposed ceasefire could start on any date and last for
a full month, offering time for meaningful steps toward ending the
war. “Let’s be honest — you can’t agree on anything serious in
three, five, or seven days,” he said.
Zelenskyy said that Moscow’s announcement of a unilateral 72-hour
ceasefire next week in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in World War II
is merely an attempt to create a “soft atmosphere” ahead of Russia’s
annual celebrations. “It looks unserious,” he said, "so that Putin’s
guests on Red Square feel comfortable and safe.”
The Ukrainian leader reiterated that Kyiv’s military actions will
remain “mirror-like,” responding to Russia’s moves. He acknowledged
that implementing a complete frontline ceasefire without robust
international monitoring remains nearly impossible, but emphasized
that the 30-day window offers a credible start.
He confirmed ongoing efforts to convene a meeting of international
advisors, meaning the next round of the negotiations with the U.S.
He also expressed hope that it could happen in Ukraine, saying it
was a “positive sign” that such a gathering is under discussion
despite recent personnel changes in Washington.
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