Kharkiv Apartment Block Strike Kills Two, Injures Dozens as Peace Talks Approach
Updated (2 articles)
Missile Attack Destroys Central Kharkiv Building On 2 January 2026, two ballistic missiles struck a multi‑storey apartment block in central Kharkiv, leaving the structure almost completely demolished [1][2]. Ukrainian officials reported at least 30 people injured, with 16 hospitalized, while two civilians—a woman and her three‑year‑old son—were found dead in the rubble [1][2]. The blast also wounded a six‑month‑old infant and a woman in serious condition [1][2].
Rescue Teams and Volunteers Work Around the Clock More than 80 civilian volunteers joined emergency crews to clear debris and search for survivors throughout the night [1]. Ukrainian regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that rescue units remained on site, cordoning off the area and providing medical aid to the injured [2]. Hospitals in Kharkiv received dozens of patients, including several infants, under triage conditions [1][2].
Russia and Ukraine Trade Blame for the Strike The Russian Defence Ministry denied any involvement, alleging that Ukrainian ammunition detonated near the Persona shopping centre and citing smoke footage as evidence [1][2]. Kyiv’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as “heinous,” asserting that Ukrainian forces target only military objectives and adhere to international humanitarian law [1]. Moscow opened a criminal probe into the incident while accusing Ukraine of intimidation tactics in occupied territories [1].
International Peace Negotiations Proceed Despite Violence The strike occurred days before a U.S.–brokered peace summit in Kyiv, slated for 5‑6 January, with about fifteen countries, the EU and NATO expected to attend and a U.S. delegation joining via video [1]. Leaders of allied nations also plan a separate meeting in France on 6 January, focusing on territorial concessions and the future of Europe’s largest nuclear plant, currently under Russian control [1]. Both sides emphasize that the talks are critical to de‑escalate the conflict even as civilian casualties rise [1].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Kharkiv missile strike kills two, including a three‑year‑old child, as rescue continues and peace talks loom – Details the death of a mother and child, injury numbers, rescue volunteer effort, Russian denial, Zelensky’s condemnation, and upcoming international peace talks .
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The Hindu: Russian strike on Kharkiv injures 25 as Moscow denies attack – Reports the missile impact, injury counts (later updated to 30), statements from Governor Syniehubov, Russian claims of Ukrainian ammunition detonation, and reference to a separate incident in Kherson .
Timeline
Dec 31, 2025 – A New Year’s Eve strike hits a hotel in a Russian‑held part of the Kherson region, killing at least 28 people, a blast Moscow later cites to distract attention from other events[2].
Jan 1, 2026 – In his New Year address, President Vladimir Putin declares confidence in victory, references a downed Ukrainian drone near his residence, and frames the conflict as a fight against “terrorists”[1].
Jan 2, 2026 – Two ballistic missiles strike a multi‑storey apartment block in central Kharkiv, destroying most of the building, injuring at least 25 people (later 30), with 16 hospitalized, while Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirms the missile hits and rescue teams begin rubble clearance[2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Russia’s Defence Ministry denies the Kharkiv attack, claiming the blast resulted from the detonation of Ukrainian ammunition stored at the nearby Persona shopping centre and labels the reports “untrue”[2].
Jan 3, 2026 – President Volodymyr Zelensky posts that the Kharkiv strike is “heinous,” condemning the civilian deaths, including a three‑year‑old child, and urging adherence to international humanitarian law[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – Russia’s Investigative Committee opens a probe into the Kharkiv strike, accusing Zelensky of intimidating occupied‑region populations, while Moscow maintains it neither planned nor launched the attack[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – Ukraine reiterates that its forces target only military objectives and stresses compliance with humanitarian law, despite the BBC noting external casualty claims remain unverified[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – A US‑brokered peace summit is set to convene in Kyiv with about 15 countries expected to attend, while allied leaders plan a separate meeting in France on 6 January, making the Kharkiv strike a focal point ahead of the talks[1].