Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles at a residential area in central Kharkiv on January 2, 2026, just after 1:15 PM UTC, severely damaging one building and prompting an ongoing rescue operation with casualties unknown, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an X post during the 30-minute reporting window ending at 1:45 PM UTC. Kharkiv Life reported the first images from the missile impact site, confirming significant damage to one house and the involvement of all necessary services, including first responders and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Zelenskyy described the strike as heinous, noting Russia continues killing despite diplomatic efforts led by the United States and calling for reinforced air defenses to protect lives. This attack follows an earlier strike on Kharkiv's center, including a residential high-rise with two Iskander missiles, as confirmed by Mayor Ihor Terekhov via 24 Kanал in the prior hour ending at 1:15 PM UTC. Kharkiv authorities stated consequences remain under clarification.
