Russian forces struck the center of Kharkiv with missiles on January 2, 2026, during the hour ending at 1:15 PM UTC, hitting a residential high-rise with two Iskander missiles, according to Kharkiv Life reports. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated the enemy targeted the city center, with consequences under clarification, as reported by 24 Kanал. Explosions were also heard in Mykolaiv. Kharkiv Life described the strike on the residential building as severe, noting prior Iskander impacts. Terekhov's statement via 24 Kanал confirmed the central location of the attack over the past hour. Separately, the U.S. State Department urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately and prepare wills while avoiding social media, citing risks of terrorism, detentions, and arbitrary enforcement amid Russia-Ukraine war escalation, according to Fox News as shared by saintjavelin on X during the reporting window.
