Kharkiv Under Attack: Recent Strikes and Ongoing Conflict

Kharkiv, Ukraine, has been the target of intensified attacks in recent days, with reports of drone strikes, shelling, and attempted ground incursions. These attacks have resulted in fires, injuries, and ongoing concerns for civilian safety. This article provides an overview of the recent events, drawing on reports from Ukrainian officials and military sources as of February 28, 2026.

Recent Attacks and Damage

On February 28, 2026, Kharkiv and surrounding settlements continued to experience enemy attacks. According to Oleg Sinegubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration (KhOVA), the region was subjected to attacks involving missiles, KABs (guided aerial bombs), and UAVs.

• Injuries: Seven people were injured in the past 24 hours, including two children. Specifically, a 54-year-old man was injured in the village of Velikie Khutor, a 36-year-old man in the village of Spark, and injuries were reported for a 67-year-old man, a 54-year-old woman, a 24-year-old woman, a 9-year-old girl, and a 4-year-old boy in the village of Verkhnyaya Roganka.
• District Impact: The Novobavarsky, Osnovyansky, Shevchenkovsky, and Saltovsky districts of Kharkiv were targeted by enemy drones.
• Attack Types: The attacks included two missiles, three KABs, nine Geran-2 UAVs, two Lancets, four Molniyas, six FPV drones, and an additional 37 UAVs.

Earlier incidents included:

• Golubovka Village: A residential area in the village of Golubovka was hit by a UAV, causing a fire in a private house and outbuildings, though no casualties were reported.
• Verkhnyaya Roganka Village: A UAV attack in Verkhnyaya Roganka caused a fire in a residential building, injuring five people, including two children.
• Zolochev Village: A house in Zolochev burned as a result of shelling, with no reported injuries.

Russian Military Activity

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported ongoing attempts by Russian forces to break through Ukrainian defensive lines.

• Yuzhno-Slobozhansky Direction: Russian forces made two attempts to break through defensive lines near Volchansk and Sinelnikovo.
• Kupyansky Direction: One attack was launched in the Novoplatonovka area.

Emerging Tactics and Concerns

Reports indicate a potential shift in Russian tactics, with analysts from the Institute for the Study of War noting the use of fiber-optic FPV drones capable of reaching distances of approximately 21 km. These drones have reportedly hit targets on the outskirts of Kharkiv, including a tree and a car. There are concerns that this increased range will allow Russian troops to target the civilian population more effectively.

Ongoing Air Raid Alerts

Residents of Kharkiv experienced prolonged air raid alerts throughout the night, with enemy UAVs reported flying over the region. Alerts began around 20:30 and continued intermittently, with reports of drones circling the area until the early morning.