Fri Jan 02 23:31:17 UTC 2026: Summary:

On January 2, 2026, a multi-story apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was struck by Russian missiles, causing significant damage and injuring dozens. Ukrainian officials reported at least 25 injuries, while the city’s mayor put the figure at 30. Russia denied responsibility, claiming the explosion was due to the detonation of Ukrainian ammunition at a nearby shopping center. This denial comes after Russia accused Ukraine of a New Year’s Eve strike on a hotel in Russian-held Kherson, which reportedly killed 28 people. Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has been a frequent target of aerial attacks since the start of the conflict.

News Article:

Kharkiv Apartment Building Devastated in Alleged Russian Missile Strike; Russia Denies Involvement

Kharkiv, Ukraine – January 3, 2026 – A multi-story apartment building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, was reduced to rubble on Friday, January 2nd, following what Ukrainian officials are calling a Russian missile strike. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated that at least 25 people were injured, with 16 hospitalized, including one in serious condition. The city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, reported an even higher injury toll of 30.

Images and videos from the scene depict widespread destruction, with emergency crews sifting through debris in search of survivors. Syniehubov reported that shops and a cafe on the building’s first floor may have been occupied at the time of the explosion.

However, the Russian Defence Ministry refuted the claims of an attack, asserting that the blast was caused by the detonation of Ukrainian ammunition stored at the “Persona” shopping center. In a statement on Telegram, the ministry suggested the incident was a diversion from a New Year’s Eve strike on a hotel in Russian-held Kherson, which Russia blamed on Ukraine. The death toll from that incident has reportedly risen to 28.

Kharkiv, located just 30 km from the Russian border, has been a regular target of aerial attacks since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The alleged missile strike and subsequent denial highlight the ongoing tensions and conflicting narratives surrounding the conflict.

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