A Russian drone struck a private kindergarten in Kharkiv’s Chołodnohirska district on the night of October 21‑22, igniting a fire that injured children and killed one civilian, authorities report.
Night Attack
In the night of October 21‑22, Russian drones hit a private kindergarten in Kharkiv’s Chołodnohirska district, setting the building ablaze.
Initial reports mentioned injured children; rescue teams promptly evacuated all pupils to nearby shelters, while one man was killed and seven others wounded, with many civilians suffering acute stress, officials say.
Dramatic Scenes and Chaos After Explosion
Ukrainian rescue services released footage of tearful children being pulled from the burning structure; one cried “mama, mama” while clutching a stuffed toy.
Fifty children were evacuated from the school, and firefighters worked for hours on the scene. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated the strike had no military justification and condemned all attacks on children.
Zelensky: A Blow to All Who Believe in Peace
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the drone strike, saying there is no justification for targeting a kindergarten and calling Russia increasingly brazen.
He urged the international community to raise pressure and sanctions on Russia, cited the hashtag #StopRussia, and noted Ukrainian embassies worldwide posted photos from the site.
Another Night Under Attack
The kindergarten strike was part of a broader wave of Russian raids on Kharkiv, with at least three explosions reported that night.
Shahed drones also struck the Industrial district, damaging dozens of single‑family homes and forcing residents to stay in shelters. Mayor Ihor Terechov urged vigilance, stressing that residents should not ignore sirens.
Children Under Psychological Care
Children affected by the attack are receiving psychological support to cope with the trauma, according to local authorities.
