As Russia strikes Kyiv and Kharkiv, Russian cooling tower hit by drone

Deadly strikes hit Ukraine as drone damages Kursk nuclear plant cooling tower

Poinews.com – Russian attacks struck several parts of Ukraine on Friday, killing two people in the Kharkiv region and placing Kyiv under a ballistic missile alert, while a separate drone incident damaged a cooling tower at Russia’s Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

The attacks underline the continuing danger faced by civilians far from the front line, where missile and drone warnings can rapidly interrupt daily life and force residents into shelters. Emergency workers in affected cities also face particular risks when follow-up strikes occur during rescue operations.

Two killed in Balakliia

In Balakliia, a city in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, the local military administration said an attack caused fatalities and damage. Vitalii Karabanov, who leads the administration, said preliminary information showed that two people had died.

“Sadly, the consequences of this attack are terrible. Early reports indicate that two people have been killed in the strike. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed.”

Kharkiv region has repeatedly been exposed to attacks during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Communities there must often respond to changing security conditions while authorities assess destruction, assist residents and clarify casualty figures after strikes.

Kyiv placed under ballistic threat

Later on Friday, Kyiv was also targeted. Ballistic missiles were launched towards the Ukrainian capital, prompting air-defence activity and an urgent warning for people to remain protected.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued his message on Telegram at 19:32 local time, or 18:32 CEST, as the alert unfolded.

“Air defense forces are working in the capital. Kyiv is under ballistic fire. Stay in shelters!”

Ballistic missile attacks leave little time for reaction because of their speed. Public alerts and shelter instructions are therefore a central part of civilian protection in Kyiv, where residents are regularly urged to follow official safety guidance until the immediate danger has passed.

Rescue operation in Odesa hit

Central Odesa was struck twice in rapid succession. The second strike came while rescuers were already responding to the first, adding to the danger for emergency crews and people seeking help at the scene.

Ten people were injured in the attacks. The sequence illustrates the pressure on rescue services after air strikes, when the first impact can be followed by additional explosions before authorities have completed their response.

Odesa, Ukraine’s major Black Sea port city, has remained vulnerable throughout the war because of its strategic and economic importance. Attacks there can affect residential areas and essential urban activity, while also increasing the strain on medical and emergency personnel.

IAEA warns over nuclear-site risks

Across the border in Russia, a drone struck a cooling tower at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant early on Thursday. The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Friday that it was aware of the incident.

The agency said the power station was operating at the time and that there had been no fire. Plant operations continued despite the damage to the cooling tower.

Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s director general, renewed his call for caution around nuclear facilities. Any military activity close to nuclear infrastructure can create serious concern, even when a plant remains operational and no immediate radiological incident is recorded.

“maximum military restraint to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident”

Nuclear power stations rely on multiple safety systems, trained staff and continuous monitoring. Yet attacks or military activity in their vicinity can complicate operations, damage supporting infrastructure or create uncertainty during an already volatile conflict. The IAEA has repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting nuclear sites from the consequences of fighting.

Friday’s developments brought together the human cost of strikes on Ukrainian cities and the wider international concern over threats near nuclear infrastructure. As air-defence alerts continue across the region, civilians, rescuers and plant operators remain exposed to the escalating risks of the conflict.