Kharkiv Under Fire: Explosions Reported in City Center
Head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration Oleg Sinegubov said on his Telegram channel that more than six explosions were recorded in Kharkiv, with several shocks felt in the heart of the city and windows rattled by the blasts. Witnesses described flash bursts in multiple neighborhoods, while officials urged residents to seek shelter and stay informed through official channels. Emergency teams were mobilized to assess damage and restore critical services as quickly as possible.
They were especially recorded in the central part of the city, where infrastructure networks and transportation corridors intersect. Local authorities reported damage to utilities and several public facilities, prompting crews to prioritize repair work and restore power, water, and heat to affected districts. Responders coordinated with regional emergency services to reroute services and ensure accessibility for residents in the hardest-hit zones.
According to Sinegubov, there is damage to the infrastructure. He added that relevant services are operating within their spheres of responsibility to address the consequences, secure damaged facilities, and support civilians who may be displaced. Authorities called on residents to follow safety protocols, listen to official advisories, and report any hazards to emergency lines as they emerge.
Kharkiv region borders Belgorod region. Earlier, the Telegram channel Military Correspondents of the Russian Spring claimed that Russian forces conducted powerful missile strikes on Kharkiv. In a separate statement, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod, asserted that Russian forces were actively operating on Belgorod soil and fired toward the opposite side. Officials on both sides emphasized the volatility of the border situation and urged restraint while continuing to monitor developments.
On December 30, Ukrainian forces reportedly shelled the center of Belgorod and other areas within the city. Moscow called for a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the incident and its implications for regional stability. The international response highlighted the urgency for de‑escalation and adherence to international norms amid ongoing cross-border hostilities.
Earlier, the U.S. State Department issued a statement reacting to the shelling in Belgorod, underscoring the importance of protecting civilians and urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict. The statement reflected Washington’s emphasis on civilian safety and regional security as tensions persist along the border.