On the night of October 13, 2025, the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest metropolis, was rocked by a devastating aerial assault as Russian forces unleashed powerful glide bombs and drones. The attack, which struck at approximately 9:50 p.m. local time, targeted the Saltivskyi district and left a trail of destruction in its wake—most notably at the city’s main hospital, a vital lifeline for thousands of residents.
According to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, the hospital was bustling with activity at the time of the strike. "The hospital was full of people, because it is a city hospital that is in high demand. There are always a lot of people and patients here," Terekhov explained, as reported by local Ukrainian outlets. The facility, which specializes in treating patients with endocrine diseases like diabetes, had over 100 patients inside the damaged wing when the bombs hit, shattering more than 200 windows and forcing an urgent evacuation.
The regional head, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed that 50 patients had to be moved to safety after the attack. The Kharkiv regional Prosecutor’s Office later reported that 57 patients were injured, with six suffering wounds from broken glass and many others experiencing severe stress reactions. The medical director of surgical care, Oleksii Datsenko, described the chaos as staff scrambled to relocate patients to the main hospital building amidst the shattered glass and debris.
The assault extended beyond the hospital itself. A fire erupted in a garage building on the hospital grounds, covering an area of 85 square meters and destroying garage boxes while damaging 19 cars. Meanwhile, the city’s energy infrastructure took a heavy blow. Russian bombs damaged power lines, plunging several districts of Kharkiv into darkness. Mayor Terekhov estimated that over 30,000 customers were left without electricity that night. "Russians continue to attack power generation, transformer substations, and power transmission networks. They want to do everything possible to destroy the supply of energy," Terekhov stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided context for the attack, explaining that energy facilities were the main targets. "Every day, every night, Russia strikes power plants, power lines, and our (natural) gas facilities," Zelenskyy said on Telegram, as cited by the Associated Press. These long-range strikes on Ukraine’s power grid have been a grim hallmark of Russia’s campaign since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, aiming to cripple Ukraine’s power supply and deny civilians basic necessities during the harsh winter months.
In terms of weaponry, the Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Russian forces used glide bombs equipped with a long-range module, allowing them to travel up to 95 kilometers (about 59 miles). This capability means not only Kharkiv but also settlements to the south of the region remain within striking distance. The psychological toll of such attacks is profound, as civilians and medical staff are forced to endure repeated bombardments and the constant threat of further strikes.
The latest assault comes at a precarious moment for Ukraine, as international military support appears to be faltering. According to Germany’s Kiel Institute, which tracks aid to Ukraine, European military assistance dropped sharply in July and August 2025—down 43% compared to the first half of the year. This decline followed the creation of the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a fund pooling NATO member contributions (excluding the United States) to purchase American weapons and equipment for Ukraine. Despite this, in the first half of 2025, aid had actually surpassed totals from 2022 to 2024, even without direct U.S. involvement.
President Zelenskyy has been outspoken about the urgent need for more air defense systems. "We are counting on the actions of the U.S. and Europe, the G7, all partners who have these systems and can provide them to protect our people," he urged. He also called for the world to pressure Moscow into meaningful negotiations: "The world must force Moscow to sit down at the table for real negotiations." With Ukraine’s vast territory—almost the size of Texas—comprehensive air defense remains a daunting challenge.
Against this backdrop, Zelenskyy is preparing for a high-stakes meeting in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025. The talks are expected to focus on the potential provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles, a request that has stirred both hope and anxiety. Trump has previously warned Moscow that he may authorize the delivery of these sophisticated long-range weapons to Ukraine. Such a move, once ruled out by Washington due to fears of escalating the conflict, would mark a significant shift in U.S. policy and could deepen tensions with Russia.
Tomahawk missiles represent a formidable addition to Ukraine’s arsenal. Unlike the drones currently used for long-range strikes, Tomahawks can carry much heavier warheads and are designed to fly at low altitudes, making them harder to intercept. Their range would allow Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow, with precision. As the Associated Press notes, this capability could provide Ukraine with much-needed leverage at the negotiating table, especially as President Trump has expressed frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to compromise on key issues.
Ukraine’s long-range attacks have already begun to take a toll on Russian infrastructure. According to Zelenskyy and foreign military analysts, recent strikes using newly developed missiles and drones have disrupted Russian oil production and caused significant gas shortages. These attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s growing ability to hit back, even as it faces relentless bombardment and dwindling foreign aid.
The violence has not been limited to Kharkiv. In southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, a United Nations convoy delivering humanitarian aid was attacked by Russian drones. Two of the four trucks were set ablaze, though miraculously, there were no casualties. Matthias Schmale, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, condemned the incident: "Deliberately targeting humanitarians and humanitarian assets is a gross violation of international humanitarian law and might amount to a war crime." The trucks were clearly marked as belonging to the United Nations, making the attack all the more egregious.
As Ukraine braces for another winter under siege, the resilience of its people and institutions is being tested daily. Hospitals, energy workers, and aid convoys have all found themselves on the front lines of a conflict that shows no sign of abating. Whether the upcoming talks in Washington will alter the course of the war remains to be seen, but for the people of Kharkiv—and indeed all of Ukraine—the stakes could not be higher.