On the night of July 2, Russian forces launched a massive kamikaze drone attack with “Geran-2” drones against Kharkiv, Ukraine and the surrounding region.
Around 3 a.m. in Kharkiv, an explosion rocked the Novobavarsky district. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that a single-storey non-residential building was hit, sparking a fire that firefighters later contained. Windows were shattered in nearby buildings. Preliminary reports indicate no fatalities or injuries in the city. Two people were evacuated from nearby homes by the Red Cross.
Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that the strike was likely carried out by a “Geran-2” kamikaze drone that hit auto service boxes. The fire covered approximately 300 square meters.
Meanwhile, Russian forces also struck the Kupiansk district. In the village of Borivske, a strike—likely by five “Geran-2” drones—set ablaze farm storage facilities, hay bales, and two minibuses. The fire spread over 800 square meters before being contained. Unfortunately, one person was killed and another injured.
Another strike in the Kupiansk district hit the village of Voloska Balakliia, igniting structural elements of a warehouse. Fortunately, that fire was extinguished without casualties.
The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the attack on Novobavarsky district with “Geran-2” drones and shared video footage from the scene. Prosecutors are gathering evidence to document another Russian war crime.
Local authorities urged residents to heed air-raid alerts and seek shelter.