Russian Drone Attack Hits Central Kharkiv, Damages University, Injures Civilians

A Russian drone strike struck central Kharkiv, Ukraine in broad daylight on September 16, causing significant damage to the National University of Pharmacy and injuring at least four civilians.

The roof of an administrative building at the university sustained heavy damage, The Caspian Post reports via Ukrainian media.

Employees sought shelter during the attack, though one person reportedly suffered shock, Vice-Rector Oleksandr Kukhtenko said.

The State Emergency Service confirmed that a fire broke out, affecting approximately 150 square meters. The strike, which took place around 11 a.m. (GMT+3), was reportedly carried out using Geran-2 kamikaze drones. Officials noted that several of the incoming drones were intercepted and shot down.

Footage released by the regional prosecutor’s office shows a Russian drone hitting the university building in Kharkiv’s Slobidska district, resulting in a massive explosion. Civilians in the vicinity were also injured, including three women aged 51, 52, and 54, and an 89-year-old man; all are reportedly in stable condition, Governor Oleh Synyehubov said.

“The strike occurred in broad daylight, near the city center,” Synyehubov said, emphasizing that the targeted facility was entirely civilian with no ties to military or defense operations.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city located just 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the Russian border, remains a frequent target of Russian missile and drone attacks.