Kharkiv Under Constant Attack: February 2026 Shelling Intensifies
Kharkiv, Ukraine, continues to face relentless attacks from Russian forces, with February 2026 witnessing 67 enemy strikes, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. While this is a slight decrease from the 75 attacks recorded in January, Terekhov emphasized that the shorter length of February means the level of threat remains consistently high. The mayor also noted a concerning trend of Russia upgrading its weaponry and tactics.
Escalating Tactics and New Weaponry
Russian forces are continually improving the means of attack, Terekhov stated. The “Lightning” missiles, of which 17 were used in February, are now modernized versions, posing a greater danger than those used in the previous year. A particularly alarming development is the first recorded instance of a drone strike targeting fiber-optic cables.
Prolonged Air Raid Alerts and Civilian Impact
Residents of Kharkiv spent a total of 395 hours and 32 minutes – exceeding 16 days – in air raid shelters during February. In the wider Kharkiv region, the alert sirens sounded for an even longer period, lasting 24 days. Despite the intensity of the attacks, Terekhov reported that 31 people were injured during the month, with no fatalities recorded, attributing this positive outcome to the swift response of emergency services.
Recent Attacks – March 1, 2026
On the morning of March 1, 2026, Kharkiv came under renewed attack by Russian drones starting at 5:30 AM. The initial strike, using a Molniya UAV, targeted the border of the Shevchenko and Kyiv regions. An hour later, another UAV attack occurred in the Saltovsky district, damaging a local park and breaking windows in nearby homes. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in these initial attacks.
Further attacks targeted an administrative building in the Shevchenko district and a hostel in the same district, where displaced persons were residing. A fire broke out at the hostel, prompting the evacuation of 60 people. Three women experienced acute stress reactions as a result of the attack.
Ongoing Military Operations in the Region
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ongoing military operations continue in the areas surrounding Kharkiv. On February 28, Russian forces launched seven assaults near settlements in the Yuzhno-Slobozhansky direction, including Pokrovka and Prilepka. Five attacks were repelled in the Kupyansky direction, near Kondrashovka and other settlements. In the Liman direction, Russian forces launched six attacks, attempting to advance near Novoegorovka and other locations.
Weaponry Used in Recent Strikes
Investigations by the Kharkiv regional prosecutor’s office have identified the use of Molniya and Geran-2 type UAVs in recent attacks. The initial strike on the administrative building was carried out by a Molniya UAV, while the attack on the hostel is believed to have been carried out by a Geran-2 type UAV.
Ihor Terekhov has been the mayor of Kharkiv since November 11, 2021, having initially assumed the role on December 24, 2020, following the death of Hennadiy Kernes. [2]