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Russia Denies Kharkiv Strike, Accuses Ukraine of Kherson Attack

Russia's Defence Ministry has firmly denied carrying out a missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, labeling such reports as false information. Instead, Moscow accuses the Ukrainian government of fabricating the claim to divert attention from a deadly drone attack it alleges Ukraine conducted in the Kherson region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned what he describes as a Russian strike on a Kharkiv residential area, reporting significant damage and ongoing rescue efforts. The conflicting narratives highlight an intense information war, with both sides blaming the other for attacks on civilians amid the ongoing conflict.

Key Points: Russia Denies Kharkiv Strike, Blames Ukraine for Kherson Attack

  • Russia denies missile strike on Kharkiv
  • Accuses Ukraine of Kherson drone attack
  • Zelenskyy condemns Russian strike on residential area
  • Conflicting narratives over civilian casualties
2 min read

Russia's Defence Ministry denies reports of strike on Kharkiv

Russia denies striking Kharkiv, calls reports false. Accuses Ukraine of a deadly drone attack on civilians in Kherson as tensions escalate.

"Information about the alleged strike on the city of Kharkov... is untrue. – Russian Defence Ministry"

Moscow, January 3

Russia's Defence Ministry has denied reports of a strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, calling the claims false, Sputnik reported.

"Information about the alleged strike on the city of Kharkov by the Russian Armed Forces on January 2 of this year is untrue," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said Russian armed forces neither planned nor carried out any missile or air strikes within the city on January 2, Sputnik reported.

"The Kiev regime's claims about the alleged 'Russian strike on Kharkov' are intended to distract international attention from the brutal terrorist attack committed by the Ukrainian armed forces against civilians in the settlement of Khorly in the Kherson Region overnight into January 1," the statement read.

A day after the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Ukrainian drones struck in the Kherson region, which killed 24 people, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday claimed that two missiles from Moscow struck the city of Kharkiv.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy condemned the strike by Russia, saying it targeted a residential area and caused significant damage.

"A heinous Russian strike on Kharkiv. Preliminary reports indicate two missiles struck an ordinary residential area. One of the buildings has been severely damaged. A rescue operation is currently underway, with all necessary services on site," Zelenskyy said in a statement.

He also noted that the exact number of casualties is yet "unknown".

Meanwhile, the Russian MFA, in a statement, said that at least 24 people were killed, including a child and more than 50 were injured after Ukrainian drones struck a cafe and a hotel during New Year celebrations in the Kherson region.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the attack took place in the early hours of 2026 and targeted a location where civilians had gathered to celebrate the New Year.

The ministry alleged that the strike was carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), calling it "another terrorist act against civilians" by the Kyiv regime.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Russia's denial was expected. The information war is as intense as the ground war. What's clear is that innocent people are suffering. India must continue its balanced diplomatic approach and push for dialogue. We have historic ties with Russia, but we cannot ignore humanitarian principles.
D
David E
The conflicting reports highlight why independent journalism on the ground is so crucial. Without verified facts, it's just propaganda from both sides. The mention of a strike on a New Year's celebration is particularly horrific if true.
A
Anjali F
This is why many Indians are skeptical of news from Western media outlets. They often present one side without the full context. Russia is saying Ukraine is trying to distract from their own attack in Kherson. We need to hear both narratives before forming an opinion.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I have to disagree with the previous comment. While skepticism is healthy, dismissing reports as Western bias isn't helpful. Multiple sources, including satellite imagery and local witnesses, often corroborate these events. The denial seems like a standard playbook move.
K
Karthik V
The real tragedy is that common people in Ukraine and Russia are paying the price. War is the ultimate failure of diplomacy. As a nation that believes in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), India's voice for peace is needed now more than ever.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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