Russian Drone Strike Injures 47 in Kharkiv as Zelenskyy Urges Stronger Western Support

Kharkiv, Ukraine — A devastating Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s second-largest city late Friday left at least 47 people injured and intensified calls from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for more robust support from Western allies.

According to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, the drones struck 12 separate locations across the city, damaging residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, and vehicles. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed widespread destruction.

Authorities say the attack involved thermobaric warheads — highly destructive weapons that create intense blast waves and fireballs. Ukraine’s Prosecutor’s Office described the strike as a possible violation of international humanitarian law, underscoring the brutality of the assault.

“While the world hesitates, nearly every night in Ukraine turns into a nightmare,” Zelenskyy posted on X early Saturday. “We need real decisions. We need stronger air defenses.”

Massive Overnight Barrage

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 183 drones and decoys during the night. Of those, 77 were shot down and 73 others likely jammed by electronic defenses. Russia also fired two ballistic missiles.

Moscow claimed its forces shot down 170 Ukrainian drones, along with eight cruise missiles and three guided missiles, reflecting the escalating tit-for-tat attacks between the two countries.

Meanwhile, in southern Russia, a drone strike on the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk injured five people, including two children, according to local officials.

U.S.-Backed Ceasefire Proposal Gains Momentum

Amid the intensifying conflict, President Zelenskyy expressed openness to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States, signaling a potential pause in fighting that could open the door for deeper diplomatic efforts.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv on Friday, Zelenskyy said the ceasefire could begin at any time, emphasizing that “you can’t agree on anything serious in three, five, or seven days.” A full month, he said, could provide space for genuine negotiations.

His comments came just days after the U.S. and Ukraine finalized a landmark agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s mineral resources — a deal that could secure continued U.S. military support amid uncertainty about Donald Trump’s stance in future peace talks.

Skepticism Over Russia’s Ceasefire Claims

Zelenskyy dismissed Russia’s announcement of a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire next week to mark Victory Day as a public relations move. “It looks unserious,” he said. “Just a way to make Putin’s guests on Red Square feel comfortable.”

He reiterated that Ukraine’s military response would remain “mirror-like,” reacting directly to Russia’s moves. While acknowledging the difficulty of enforcing a ceasefire without international oversight, he stressed that the U.S.-backed proposal offers a “credible start.”

Efforts are underway to organize a meeting of international advisors — possibly on Ukrainian soil — to discuss the next phase of negotiations. Zelenskyy called it a “positive sign,” even as Washington undergoes key personnel changes.