On the morning of 18 August, Russian troops launched an attack on Pechenigi in the Kharkiv region. The strike hit a busy crossroads near the post office, shops and residential buildings. Ten people were killed and a further 17 were injured. A fire broke out following the attack, and rescue workers, medics and other emergency services continued to work at the scene.
Briefly about the main points
- The strikes took place near the post office, shops and residential buildings.
- Fourteen injured people were taken to hospitals.
- The three victims were treated at the scene.
- The people were diagnosed with burns and shrapnel wounds.
- Zelenskyy has called on his partners to step up the pressure on Russia.
The strike took place near the post office, shops and residential buildings
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy He reported that the strike hit a crossroads where people were present. A post office and shops are located nearby, and there are residential buildings in the vicinity. A fire broke out following the strike, but it has now been extinguished.
Pechenigi is the administrative centre of the community in In the Chuhuiv district. According to the town’s military administration, 5,417 people were living in the town itself at the start of March. For such a small settlement, an attack resulting in so many dead and wounded is an extremely heavy blow.
Some of those hospitalised are in a serious condition
Director of the Emergency Medical Services Centre Viktor Zabashta He reported that 14 casualties had been taken to hospital. A further three were given the necessary medical attention by paramedics at the scene.
The injured have been found to have burns and shrapnel wounds. Some of those who have been hospitalised are in a serious condition. Medical teams are continuing to treat the injured.
Emergency services are surveying the affected area
The rescue operation did not end once the fire had been extinguished. Rescue workers, medical staff and other emergency services are surveying the area and dealing with the aftermath of the attack.
The number of casualties may be revised as rescue operations continue and medical assistance is provided. Pechenigi has previously been hit by Russian attacks on several occasions: the Kharkiv Regional State Administration reported casualties in the village in 2024 and 2026.
Zelenskyy called on partners to step up pressure on Russia
The President stated that the strike had targeted civilian infrastructure and areas where people were present. He said that Ukraine would «definitely respond to the strike».
Zelenskyy also called on international partners to step up pressure on Russia and to continue supporting Ukraine. According to him, Moscow must feel the consequences of continuing the war and the attacks on Ukrainian cities and the civilian population.
