Ukraine Under Attack: Drone Swarm Hits Kharkiv, Missile and Drones Strike Kryvyi Rih

Kyiv, Ukraine – On July 16, 2025, Ukraine faced a renewed barrage of attacks from Russia, with a drone swarm targeting Kharkiv and a combination of missiles and Shahed drones striking Kryvyi Rih.

Kharkiv Under Drone Assault:

The city of Kharkiv experienced a rapid succession of explosions. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported 16 explosions within a mere 14 minutes, confirming that a civilian enterprise in the Kyiv district was targeted. Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, further specified that 17 explosions were recorded in 20 minutes, primarily in the Kyiv district. Preliminary reports suggest the use of "Geran-2" drones in the assault. The attacks in Kharkiv resulted in three people sustaining injuries.

Kryvyi Rih Hit by Missile and Shaheds:

Concurrently, the city of Kryvyi Rih endured a severe attack involving both a ballistic missile and a large number of Shahed drones. Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, confirmed a missile strike that ignited a fire. Explosions were reported during a ballistic threat, and Shahed drones were also observed targeting the city. Oleksandr Vilkul, head of Kryvyi Rih's defense council, detailed a massive Shahed attack with 20 confirmed hits, leading to a significant fire. The attacks caused widespread power outages, forcing water supply systems to switch to generators. Vilkul later clarified that Kryvyi Rih was simultaneously hit by a ballistic missile and 28 Shahed drones. A 17-year-old boy was severely injured in the attack.

The coordinated attacks highlight the ongoing threats faced by Ukrainian cities, with civilian infrastructure and lives continuing to be impacted.

Source: Рій дронів Харків та ракета Кривий Ріг: наслідки