KYIV – In one of the most intense nights of aggression in recent months, Russian forces launched a series of large-scale drone and missile strikes across Ukraine on the night of October 6, targeting civilian areas and critical energy infrastructure.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the enemy deployed 116 strike drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, and other models. As of 9:00 AM, Ukrainian air defense units had successfully neutralized 83 drones, while 30 managed to strike in seven different locations. The attack remained ongoing through the morning, with Russian drones still detected in Ukrainian airspace.
Kharkiv Under Relentless Assault
At approximately 11:00 PM on October 5, the city of Kharkiv came under a devastating wave of Russian drone attacks. Local authorities recorded around 15 explosions in the Novobavarskyi district and surrounding suburbs. The bombardment left residential homes damaged and resulted in four civilian casualties. Large sections of the city are now without electricity and water supply.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that two transformer substations were destroyed during the latest strikes. He warned that, given the ongoing pattern of attacks, Kharkiv could be facing “the most difficult winter” since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Energy Facilities Targeted in Chernihiv and Donetsk
During the night of October 5–6, Russian forces struck an energy facility in the Ichnia district of Chernihiv Oblast, causing a widespread blackout. The following morning, another attack targeted energy infrastructure in Donetsk Oblast, leaving several villages without power.
Civilian Casualties Mount in Kherson
In Kherson Oblast, Russian shelling continued to claim civilian lives. A 69-year-old woman was killed in Stepanivka, while a family of five suffered serious injuries—including two girls aged 12 and 16—from drone and artillery strikes. Overall, one person was killed and 20 others were injured, including four children, across the region throughout the day.
Attack on Officials in Borivka
In Borivka, a Russian FPV-drone struck near a civilian vehicle, injuring the head of the local military administration and the community secretary. Both officials were hospitalized with explosive injuries and bruises.
Maternity Hospital in Sumy Deliberately Targeted
In Sumy, a Russian drone deliberately attacked a maternity hospital, setting the roof of the perinatal center on fire. At the time of the strike, 166 people, including 11 children and 35 patients, were inside. A 60-year-old woman sustained injuries. Thanks to timely evacuation, all patients were moved to shelters, preventing a larger tragedy.
Zaporizhzhia Endures Over 700 Strikes
The Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reported an alarming 700 strikes by Russian forces within a single day, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities. Meanwhile, the IAEA team at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) confirmed several series of incoming and outgoing shelling near the facility. Two projectiles reportedly landed 1.25 km from the plant perimeter, raising concerns about nuclear safety risks.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that the situation remains “extremely fragile,” as the ZNPP has been operating without external power for nearly two weeks.
Rescue Efforts and Humanitarian UpdatesUnder President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, Ukrainian authorities successfully rescued three teenagers from territories still under Russian occupation. Among them, a 19-year-old had been hiding from the occupation authorities to avoid forced conscription.
War Crimes and Cultural Losses
Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General reported ongoing investigations into the executions of 322 Ukrainian prisoners of war, including 263 on the battlefield and 59 in the Olenivka colony. Prosecutors have charged nine Russian servicemen, with six cases already referred to court and two convictions announced.
The toll of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine’s cultural and media sectors continues to grow. To date, 232 artists and 113 Ukrainian and international journalists have lost their lives since the start of the full-scale war.
BY: The Times Union
