Russian Missile Hits Residential Building in Kharkiv

A Russian missile strike early on the morning of 18 April targeted the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, hitting a multi storey residential building in a densely populated area. Local officials fear that people may be trapped under the rubble, as emergency crews continue to assess the destruction.

The first explosion was reported at 05:09 by Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov on his Telegram channel. Minutes later, at 05:13, he confirmed that the city had come under missile attack. By 05:23, the mayor reported that at least four missiles had struck the area, with one hitting a residential building. The full extent of the damage is still being determined, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.

The building that was struck is located in a district known for its high population density, raising serious concern over civilian casualties. Initial reports suggest that several families were inside at the time of the strike. Officials have not yet released figures on the number of injured or killed.

The attack comes amid a wider escalation by Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Russian military activity in this direction has increased significantly in recent days, indicating an attempt to apply additional pressure on Ukraine’s second largest city.

The missile strike is yet another example of deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, a recurring pattern throughout Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. Residential neighbourhoods, hospitals, schools and power facilities have all been struck repeatedly by Russian missiles and drones, despite global condemnation and mounting evidence of war crimes.

Kharkiv, located close to the Russian border, has been one of the most frequently targeted cities throughout the war. While Ukrainian air defences have successfully intercepted many incoming threats, this morning’s attack highlights the continuing danger faced by civilians in frontline cities.

No monetary figures have been released in connection with damage or emergency response costs, though rebuilding efforts across Kharkiv have cost billions of hryvnias since the start of the war. For comparison, previous residential building repairs after missile strikes in the region have reached around ₴300 million, approximately £6.3 million.

Ukrainian officials have not yet released a full casualty report but have pledged a swift response and full investigation. Russia has not issued a public statement on the strike.