Russian Strikes Kill 3 in Kharkiv; Ukraine Hits Refineries, Ships

Russian airstrikes hit Balakliia in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region overnight, killing three people, according to Vitalii Karabanov, head of the local military administration. The attacks occurred as Ukraine's air defense forces reported intercepting 66 out of 101 drones launched by Russia, along with four missiles.

“

Three people were killed tonight in Russian airstrikes on Balakliia, in the Ukrainian northeastern region of Kharkiv.

Twenty-five Shahed drones and one Onyx missile struck 18 locations, while other projectiles did not reach their targets. The Ukrainian Air Force stated the attack was ongoing. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced successful Ukrainian strikes on two oil refineries in Russia and on Russian ships in the Black Sea.

“

The Defense Forces of Ukraine have struck the facilities of the Russian aggressor more than 1,300 kilometers from the front line.

Zelensky stated on X that the cross-border raids targeted Russian oil revenue, which Moscow uses to fund its war. He added that Ukrainian forces also successfully struck two military patrol boats and "shadow fleet" vessels in the Black Sea. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its air defense systems destroyed 605 Ukrainian drones overnight over its territory and Crimea, though it admitted a Wildberries logistics warehouse sustained minor damage.

“

Our responses to Russian aggression in the Black Sea have also been successful. In particular, two military patrol boats and shadow fleet ships were hit.