Russian drone strikes kill 5 in Pryluky, wound 19 in Kharkiv

Attack on Pryluky

Russian forces attacked the city of Pryluky in Chernihiv region overnight, using at least six Geran-2 (Shahed-type) drones, according to Viacheslav Chaus, head of the regional military administration.

The strikes caused major explosions and fires, damaging residential buildings. As of 5:33 a.m., five people were confirmed dead, including two women and a one-year-old child found under the rubble. Six others were injured and hospitalized.

"The attack sparked large-scale fires in the residential area. Two houses, two garages, an outbuilding, and a car were destroyed," the State Emergency Service reported.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that a Russian drone hit the home of the local fire chief in Pryluky. The strike killed his wife, his daughter — who served as a patrol police officer — and her one-year-old son.

“On that terrible night, the rescuer was working at the site of the Russian strikes with his fire and rescue team,” Klymenko said.

According to Chernihiv police, as of 9:00 a.m., the number of people injured in the Russian attack on Pryluky has risen to 8.

The National Police later confirmed that police officer Daryna Shyhyda was killed in the attack. Her one-year-old son and her mother also died alongside her.

“Daryna joined the Kyiv police in 2020. She was strong, bright, and sincere. She stayed true to her oath and had a deep sense of duty. Her colleagues and everyone who knew her will remember her that way,” the police said.

Strikes on Kharkiv

In the early hours of June 5, Kharkiv was targeted by a Russian missile strike, with the Slobidskyi district being hit. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov initially reported the attack at 12:31 a.m., while Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head Oleh Syniehubov later confirmed explosions and damage to residential infrastructure.

By 1:26 a.m., Terekhov stated that high-rise residential buildings had suffered direct hits, resulting in fires in apartments and nearby vehicles. Injuries were reported shortly afterward, and the casualty count rose as updates came in:

• At 1:38 a.m., three people were reported injured, including a 13-year-old girl and a man nearly 80 years old.
• By 1:48 a.m., the number of injured rose to four: a 17-year-old girl, a 79-year-old man, a 74-year-old woman, and a pregnant woman.

Later, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that six Shahed-type drones targeted the city, with the Slobidskyi district suffering the brunt of the attack.

Key Developments

Direct Hits: Two drones directly struck residential apartment buildings.

• One drone hit the 17th floor of a high-rise.
• Another struck the second floor of a different building.
• In one incident, shrapnel pierced the interior walls of an apartment; a portion of the drone’s engine was found in a corridor. The residents survived only because they were asleep in another room.

Casualties:

• 2:04 a.m. – 9 victims reported.
• 2:17 a.m. – The number rose to 11, including two 13-year-old girls and a 93-year-old.
• Around 2:40 a.m. – 13 people confirmed injured; all were treated on site.
• 3:10 a.m. – 17 victims, including a 9-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy, according to Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head Oleh Syniehubov.

Damage:

• 7 multi-story buildings sustained varying degrees of destruction.
• 4 cars in a residential yard were completely burned.
• One drone failed to explode.

At 7:35 a.m., the National Police reported that 18 people, including four children, had sought medical assistance.

Later, Syniehubov reported that the number of victims had increased to 19. Among them are a 7-year-old boy, a 9-year-old girl and two 13-year-old girls.

Attack aftermath in Odesa region

Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, said that Russian forces attacked the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district overnight using attack drones.

The strike destroyed a family medicine clinic, a children and youth art center, and a lyceum. The lyceum building was partially destroyed before being set on fire.

According to the Prosecutor General's Office, Russia launched 25 drones at the region.

Zelenskyy’s response

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the Russian attack by calling for stronger sanctions against Russia.

“This was another massive strike by terrorists. Russian terrorists who kill our people every night. This is yet another reason to impose maximum sanctions and apply pressure together. We expect action from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who can really help change these terrible circumstances. Strength matters, and the war can only end through strength. Moscow must be pressured by all available means and gradually deprived of its ability to continue this aggression,” the President said.